Venue 1117 final for web

Wilderness Salvaged CBTech hosts steel art competition

St. Brigid's Brewery & Tap Room A visit with Tom Wytko

Country Sweethearts CBCF Benefit dinner, dance & auction

Warming Center Comfort from the cold

HAPPY NEW YEAR

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We see more. Clearly.

A

lens focused on positivity. Eyes set on goodness. We are fortunate to live in rural America where we know each other and we care about each other. Genuinely care. Not only about patronizing each others businesses to support the dreams we start with and hope to continue with, but also about the coming together through hardships and challenges.

We do live in an awkward space of time where lives can swing as a giant pendulum between despair and hope. Where the detail of a million distractions can blur one's vision and peace can become a detached reality. There will never be a way to adequately understand all the bad and sad that happens.

Now, more than ever, it is important for us to recognize that even a midst the complicated times and unpredictable circumstances, there is still incredible goodness in our communities. I believe it is important to know that constructive actions

do continue to take place all around us. With the clarity of viewing things not as they are, but as they could be.

Our community is a role model on how great things happen when love is the source. We pull together to mindfully and respectfully find the positive strength to help where help is needed. To make a way when there seemingly is no way. Or, to lift someone who is daily struggling for any kind of normalcy. Or, to recognize a person who for whatever reason feels invisible. Or, to simply listen and encourage to never give up.

We all have much to give. Being there for someone else is a gift of great worth. Even the tiniest ray of hope is very powerful. When you open yourself to the love of helping others you see more clearly what is truly important. Then, something wonderful happens. You realize having it all is knowing you already do.

- Melea Johnson

VENUE MAGAZINE Published by: Venue Media Group, Inc Publisher: Melea Johnson Layout & Design: Joe LaRosee Sales: Melea Johnson Contributing Photographers: Brayden Bise, J Keele Photography, Michelle Rainey Contributing Writers: Jan Thacker, Dave Oliver, Susie Moberg, Melea Johnson

Venue Magazine, PO Box 820, Moses Lake, WA 98837 (509) 431-3573 Melea Johnson, Publisher info@thevenuemag.com / thevenuemag.com /

On the cover:

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wilderness 4 | thevenuemag.com

Salvaged

By VM

S

alvaged scrap steel and other materials take on a whole new life when removed from their original context and purpose and incorporated into a work of art. Advanced Manufacturing students from CB Tech, Moses Lake High School FFA, along with teams from Ephrata, Othello, Warden, Wilson Creek, Connell, and Kennewick compete to create winning sculptures.

“CBTech’s Metal Art Competition is in its fourth year. We have had up to eleven teams of 6, competing against the clock and each other. The students have five and a half hours to team build something out of scrap steel. We hand pick about 4,000 lbs of choice scrap for this event.

The day starts with the students finding out what they are going to make.

One week before the event the students were told Wilderness, the morning of, Wilderness Animals. No pre-planning. We want the students to look at the pile and let their minds be creative. It’s a very fun day. The event is about team work, creativity, finding the best way to put two different types of metal together and fun. The finished Art Pieces are judged with a rubric and CBTech designed trophy’s for first, second and third.

Special thanks to Moses Lake Iron and Metal, Moses Lake Steel Supply, A&L Compressed Gas and Laser Fab Inc for their donations.”

~ Dave Oliver, CBTech Advanced Manufacturing Instructor

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Photography by Brayden Bise

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Kamiakin HS

Warden HS

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Wilson Creek HS

Othello HS

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CBTech AM

CBTech PM

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CBTech Evening

Moses Lake FFA

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On Time Every Day with a Positive Attitude!

Agri-Fix

Towing/Tractor repair

Locally owned and operated since 1995.

Offering towing services and tractor repair at unbelievably low rates, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Farm Equipment • Hauling • Towing & Recovery • IH™ • Case™ John Deere™ • Ford™ • Massey™

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765-1315 750-8759 766-6354

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Ephrata HS

Connell HS

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Special thanks to Moses Lake Iron and Metal, Moses Lake Steel Supply, A&L Compressed Gas and Laser Fab Inc for their donations.�

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

Happy New Year Your Home...

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BUILT BUILT TO TO HUNT. HUNT. BUILT BUILT TO TO LAST. LAST. True 3 seating offer class-leading comfort, convenience & smooth, quiet ride • Torquey 700-class liquid-cooled, fuelTrue 3 seating convenience smooth,the quiet • Torquey 700-class liquid-cooled, fuel® transmission with dualinjected engine offer with class-leading strong low-endcomfort, acceleration and pull&through rpmride range • Ultramatic ® transmission with dualinjected engine with strong low-end acceleration and pull through the rpm range • Ultramatic ® range (Hi/Lo) drive, reverse and all-wheel engine braking • Pushbutton 2WD/4WD with On-Command ® • Comfortable • Comfortable range with (Hi/Lo) drive, reverse engine seat braking Pushbutton ® Xtra ®® cabin handhold, padded and headall-wheel rests & 3-point belts•for all • Steel2WD/4WD rear cargowith bed On-Command • Available in Realtree ® cabin with handhold, padded head rests & 3-point seat belts for all • Steel rear cargo bed • Available in Realtree with suntop & aluminum wheels. comfort, convenience & smooth, quiet ride • Torquey 700-class liquid-cooled, Xtra True 3 seating offer class-leading fuelwith suntop & aluminum wheels. injected engine with strong low-end acceleration and pull through the rpm range • Ultramatic ® transmission with dualrange (Hi/Lo) drive, reverse and all-wheel engine braking • Pushbutton 2WD/4WD with On-Command ® • Comfortable cabin with handhold, padded head rests & 3-point seat belts for all • Steel rear cargo bed • Available in Realtree ® Xtra ® with suntop & aluminum wheels.

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Professional drivers on closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s Professional drivers warning on closedlabels course.

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Read the owner’s manual and product before operation. shown withand Genuine Yamaha Yamahaand Motor Corporation, U.S.A. manual and product warning labels before operation.

Model shown with Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com Professional drivers on closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Model shown with Genuine Yamaha Accessories. ©2017 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.

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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.

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Photo by Bob Juarez

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D I D N’T G E T W H AT Y O U WA N T E D F O R C H R I S T M A S?

WE HAVE WHAT YOU WANT! A BOLD NEW BREED FROM THE WORLD LEADER IN OFF-ROAD INNOVATION.

MountainView Polaris • 507 East 3rd Avenue • Moses Lake • 509.765.9340 WARNING! ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing and never carry passengers unless the adult ATV has been designed by the manufacturer specifically for that purpose. Polaris adult modelse are for riders age 16 and older. Be sure to take a safety training course. For safety and training information in the U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887. You may also contact your Polaris dealer or call Polaris at (800) 324-3764.

Protect your investment.

Winterize your boat.

New Mercury Engine Sales 2.5 to 15 HP IN STOCK 15% OFF!

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

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“I

grew up in the country on a couple of acres and my Dad worked for an export hay company so I got to go with him a lot. Always a country girl, I guess. On this place, we have 5 horses, 2 pigs, 2 dogs, cats and a lot of chickens. We plan on adding goats soon. My kids are in 4-H and they participate in junior rodeos. I am a teacher at a Hutterian Colony and I am an international exchange student coordinator. I am busy for sure… I drop kids off at three schools before I head to work at the Colony, so I am in my car for an hour before I get to work. The kids are in sports this time of year, so we are busy doing that after school. My daughter is in soccer; my son is in football and our exchange student, who is from Germany plays football also.

It’s hard to explain, but I think living in the country gives my kids so many more opportunities and experiences. They are not inside playing video games. We don’t have cable TV, Xboxes, iPads, play stations or iPhones. We spend a lot of time outside with the animals. It’s important to me that my kids learn how to be outside. I think our society is losing a lot of that… being outside and not be constantly connected.”

agri.CULTURE I

One Story At A Time

t's about people, all working their own way, in their own place, in the world of agri.

CULTURE. There is a comfort in being exposed to farm people. Follow along as I share their conversations with you. If you listen, you will find that most of these people would trade nothing for the lessons learned – lessons that produce strength of character and solid foundations for generations to come. I hope you enjoy the daily glimpses into the lives of the people as much as I have getting to photograph them.

Sue Tebow 509.760.0503

www.facebook.com/agri.CULTURE

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In-Office Dental Plan for patients without dental coverage

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

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"We look forward to helping you smile in 2018."

From left to right: Rick, Crystal, Yessenia, Christine, Cathy, Amber, Cecily, Amy, and Dr. Knapp (Rory Knapp).

Are you an artist?

We want to talk with you.

Call Melea Johnson at 509 431-3573

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Please come in.

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Warming Center is located in the YOUTH DYNAMICS Building 106 E 3rd Ave, Moses Lake, WA

T

he Homeless Taskforce of Grant County has opened its warming center at the Youth Dynamics building located at 106 E 3rd Avenue in Moses Lake. The center is open between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily, including weekends.

The goal of the Warming Center is to provide a welcoming space for the homeless in our Grant County communities to keep warm and receive a warm meal during the cold winter nights of December, January and February. In addition, the Homeless Taskforce hopes to connect individuals with services, build relationships and potentially help change an individual’s life. Last winter the Warming Center was open for December, January and February. During this time 176 individuals utilized the Warming Center; an average of 22 individuals each night.

The Warming Center is operated by local volunteers; this

is the main reason services are available for only three months.

Local churches provide the volunteer and food services. It takes 13 churches, each signing up for a week commitment to provide volunteer and food resources, to operate the center.

The center is a short term solution to the increasing issue of homelessness in the county.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Sheila Chilson @ 509-771-2361

T

he Grant County Homeless Taskforce is a coalition. The coalition is an alliance of individuals and organizations that come together to address issues of homelessness. Interested persons are encouraged to contact Chilson if interested in learning about the Taskforce.

The Mission of the Grant County Homeless Taskforce is to advocate for the homeless people in Grant County in order to improve quality of life, increase public awareness of issues of homelessness, impact public policy and to prevent and end homelessness.

The Homeless Taskforce Vision focuses on realizable strategies to move homeless individuals and families beyond shelter to permanent housing and self‐sufficiency by looking at a comprehensive range of needs and develop the local capacity to meet these needs. The Taskforce identifies ways to coordinate and link resources to avoid duplication by involving stakeholders with a shared goal of building a comprehensive system to end homelessness and prevent return to homelessness.

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SUPER

SOUTH AFRICA

With Optional Extension:

DUBAI

11 DAYS DEPARTURE 24 Oct, 2018 TOUR TYPE: SMALL GROUP TOUR

TOUR PRICE: EX SEATTLE Per person on twin sharing basis:

USD 3250

Single Person Supplement:

USD 475

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: • • • • • • • • • • •

International return airfare from Seattle (Taxes Included) Domestic Airfare: Johannesburg - Cape Town Services of local English speaking guides Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed hotels or similar Airport transfers included from Moses Lake to airport and back.

Daily buffet breakfast 2 Dinners in Kruger Arrival and departure transfers Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned coach Sightseeing & entrance fees as per the itinerary All taxes and fuel surcharge

For reservation and booking contact :Debbie Doran-Martinez President and CEO Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce

324 S Pioneer Way | Moses Lake, WA 98837 Email: director@moseslake.com Phone: 509-765-7888 x 101

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When was the last time you called the Grange?

McDougall Insurance Agency, Inc. 509-765-7990

314 W. 4th Ave, Suite C, Moses Lake

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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 get carried away.

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

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INSURE CAREFULLY, DREAM FEARLESSLY.

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

Open 7 days Opena7 week! day a week!

Winter Driving We have low prices to help you be safe

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

Family owned and operated tirestoreml.com

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Directed by Justin Rowland

Assisted by Adam Zaleski

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Performances Friday, February 16 at 7:30pm Saturday, February 17 at 7:30pm Sunday, February 18, Matinee at 2:00pm Feb 23, 7:30pm Feb 24, 7:30pm Feb 25, 2:00pm

March 2, 7:30pm March 3, 7:30pm March 4, 2:00pm

Tickets are $14.00 General Admission To reserve seats and buy tickets please go to: masquers.com Follow the comical tale of newly-weds, freespirited Cori and stuffed-shirted Paul. They live in a minuscule sixth floor walk up apartment that has a hole in the skylight.

Their odd-ball neighbors keep dropping by at the most awkward moments. Then, add in a visit from Mother to make the romance go right out the window!

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T

he Allied Arts Soiree is a great party we throw for the community. We all look forward to this annual affair as we celebrate the arts in the best way possible with music, dancing, socializing and raising a paddle for the best life has to offer – the nurturing of childrens' imaginations and the enrichment of community. All the Arts for All the People!

~ Leslie Ramsden

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E RD sOIREE/FUNDRAISER 4 THE ARTS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH, 2018

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW! $65/EACH/$500 TABLE OF EIGHT

FOOD, FUN & FOOLISH FORTUNE…STARTS @6:30PM

COLUMBIA BASIN ALLIED ARTS 7662 Chanute Ave. NE • Moses Lake, WA 98837-3299

For information: 509.793.2059 •

www.cba-arts.org

Support provided by Moses Lake & Grant County Tourism Commissions Ameri-Stay Inn & Suites & Big Bend Community College

Solar-Powered VA C AT I O N S

Big Bend Big Bend

COMMUNITY COLLEGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

IN GRANT COUNTY, WASHINGTON

PURCHASE TICKETS: @ ARTGARDEN Pottery or at the Moses Lake Chamber

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

40TH green turtle SEASON 2017–2018 FEBRUARY 17, 2018

ALADDIN (Theater) Auditions Monday, February 12, 2018: MCT will cast 50-60 local kids. Rehearsals nightly February 12-16, show times 3pm & 6pm

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

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40TH PREMIERE SEASON 2017–2018

COLUMBIA BASIN ALLIED ARTS MARCH 24, 2018

PIRATES OF PENZANCE

(Musical)

MARCH 30, 2018

JAY ALEXANDER

(Magic)

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

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40TH PREMIERE SEASON 2017–2018

COLUMBIA BASIN ALLIED ARTS MARCH 30, 2018

JAY ALEXANDER

(Magic)

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

thevenuemag.com | 35

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

40TH green turtle SEASON 2017–2018 MARCH 10, 2018

PETE THE CAT

(Musical)

SPONSORED BY: ANONYMOUS DONATION Pete the Cat performance held @ 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

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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

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2018 Festival / March 23,24, &

25. Be there.

H2O Birds on the Go

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New theme announced for the 2018 Othello Sandhill Crane Festival

“I

am excited about this theme because without natural or irrigation water, many of the birds and wildlife would not be here. Just as clean water is important for people, it is also a key to healthy wildlife,� said Kurt Braunwart, Co-chair of the festival.

The festival is honored to have a variety of great speakers, including Stefan Schlick as the Saturday night banquet speaker, from the Portland Audubon Society. Stefan was born and raised in Germany, but relocated to the US in 1992. Over the last 25 years, he has been birding Europe and North America extensively and he is a member of the Oregon Bird Records Committee. His lecture highlights that cranes have been fascinating people all over the world for centuries, especially nowadays.

The 21st annual festival will be held March 23, 24, 25, 2018 in Othello Washington. With the celebration of the spring migration of the Sandhill cranes, the festival offers a variety of events for the whole family to enjoy and learn.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Visit the Othello Sandhill Crane Festival website in January for more information on the events at othellosandhillcranefestival.org.

Over four hundred volunteers will be working to make the 21st Annual Sandhill Crane Festival a great success.

Wildlife and Agriculture in Othello 40 | thevenuemag.com

A

lthough Othello is well-known for the spring Sandhill Crane Festival, birders also regularly travel to our area during the fall migration season.

Our area is part of the great Pacific Flyway, a king or “interstate” for avian migration.

32 different types of mammals and over 200 species of birds have been observed at Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. At the height of the spring and fall migration, biologists have estimated the Refuge is home to up to 100,000 birds.

The diversity of wildlife in our area is matched only by the diversity of the crops grown here.

Agriculture is also an important part of avian life in the Basin…Sandhill cranes feast on leftover corn from fall harvest, and other crops grown here provide forage for many other species. Crops like wheat, alfalfa hay, potatoes, apples, spelt, grapes, cherries, melons, peas, onions, peaches, apricots, nectarines, and seed crops like carrot and radish provide “leftovers” for many mammals and avian in our area. Nearly 800 acres of cropland are planted specifically as part of a program designed to maintain healthy waterfowl and crane populations.

According to Columbia National Wildlife Refuge, during fall and especially in March and April, refuge fields near Corfu, Road E SE, and Barton Road attract up to 60,000 mallards, 20,000 northern pintails, 15,000 Sandhill cranes, and 50,000 Canada and cackling geese.

The delicate balance of nature and agriculture is an important one for our area, and the issue is one local farmers take very seriously. Our Festival enlists the help of dozens of local farmers each year – they not only provide valuable resources and time as Festival backers but volunteer to ride along on our tours to answer your questions.

Thanks for your interest in our Festival, and we hope to see you soon! Be sure to “like” the Festival’s Facebook page for the latest updates and information.

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Contact FosteringWA at 1.877.620.5748 Fosteringwa@ewu.edu FosteringWA.org

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Are YOU the missing puzzle piece?

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Children Who Speak Spanish

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n

a

By J

N

ew Year’s Eve is such an interesting time. The whole world celebrates the fall of one year and the rise of the next. At the stroke of midnight bleary-eyed partiers in plastic hats plant slobbery sentimental kisses on spouses and everyone hugs in the lovelight of the moment. Oldsters, like me, huddle on the couch and eventually – around 9 o’clock, give in and stumble to bed, trusting that the ball in New York City will drop as planned.

New Year’s Eve is a funny sort of holiday. It’s a marker in time, a period at the end that segregates this block of living from the one before and the one in the future. It’s a time to reflect on the past 365 days and become determined to make the next 365 days even better. It’s a time for resolutions. But, declaring you’re going to lose 50 pounds is really embarrassing come the next year. Of course, you can always say, “Lose?

No, I didn’t say lose.” It’s also dumb to say you’re going to remodel the kitchen, finish that crocheted tablecloth you started in 1964, become a ballerina, learn to speak Latin, skydive in a

r

cke a h T

bikini, or knit everyone Christmas sweaters for next Christmas.

Maybe we should forget the little things, like climbing Denali, and go for the big one: like, what do you want to be when you grow up. I’m really old and still don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Age, however, rules out a lot. My back’s too bad to become a gymnast, heavy equipment operator, or a famous wild horse wrangler. I don’t see well enough to become a micro-surgeon, although it could be exciting. “Sorry about stitching that severed arm on there backwards, Mr. Jones. Hang on and we’ll make an appointment to get that fixed right up.”

You know how grownups are always leaning down and asking young children, “So, Sweetie, what are you going to be when you grow up?” It’s not because they really want to know. They just want to get some ideas.

Most of us never find our niche in life. I’m not sure we even have a niche; we just sort of amble along, taking this path and that until we come to the end. Sometimes careers just happen. We get a job, get some experience, work our way up and pretty soon we have a career.

thevenuemag.com | 45

Years ago I knew a fellow who had a son who dabbled in college much like a fledgling artist dabbles in painting. He tried out the green, didn’t like it, so he played around a bit with the red.

Then he decided to become a full time bean washer. A bean washer! He went to work for an espresso place washing beans.

His father, Frank, had at least one degree and smiled at this news, knowing that the kid would come around one day. Someday he’d be just standing there washing his beans and whammo, would know what to do with his life.

One reason Frank was so sure was because he fondly recalled his days as a Peace Corps volunteer in some country deep in the bowels of nowhere. He lived with a tribe where children ran naked and men and women wore little more than loincloths and extravagant tattoos.

There he was, out saving the world instead of his personal future and his father was having a fit. Frank’s father wasn’t understanding at all and would send long berating letters about finishing college, settling down and having a family.

Frank, who felt he was doing something worthwhile for the tribe he lived with, tired of the

letters.

Finally, he had another volunteer take a photo of him with three comely, near-naked, women and sent it home with a letter. “Dear Dad. I’ve been pondering what you’ve said about settling down. In this country it is legal for a man to have three wives and I’m considering these three. Love, Frank.”

A letter from home zipped through the mail.

“Dear son, I’ve been thinking too. There is really no hurry to settle down. You’re young. You’re healthy. Take your time. Love, Dad.” I guess maybe my resolution this year is to figure out what I want to do with the rest of my life. Well, besides writing and painting and being a business owner. Maybe take some classes?

Get a degree? Become a bean washer? The wonderful and amazing thing is that we can do or be anything…the world is ours for the taking. We just need to stand up and grasp it and hang on for the ride.

Here’s to a fabulous new year!

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I try not to complain about my life because someone somewhere is fighting to survive.

The Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation focuses on providing support, services, encouragement and information to patients and families currently battling cancer in Grant and Adams Counties. Â We strive to identify individual needs and provide help throughout the process of diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Â We collaborate with a variety of groups and agencies to expand resources for cancer patients locally.

Please call our office today to see how we can help you. 509 764-4644

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t h g i n e t a d r u o y Turn

! g n i v i g f o t h g i n into a

9th Annual

country sweethearts Benefit Dinner, Dance & Auction

JOIN US FOR AN EVENING TO HONOR THOSE WHO FIGHT & LIVE WITH CANCER EVERYDAY

FEBRUARY 3, 2018

GRANT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 4-H BUILDING

RSVP

TICKETS

$70/PERSON $550/TABLE OF 8

TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT WWW.COLUMBIABASINCANCERFOUNDATION.ORG SEE EVENTS & COUNTRY SWEETHEART PAGE OR AT CBCF OFFICE 1031 W. BROADWAY AVE. M-TH 10AM-2PM

CALL 509.764.4644 TO SPONSOR OR MAKE AN AUCTION DONATION FEATURING DINNER | DANCING | WINE | BEER | SILENT & LIVE AUCTIONS

MEALS TO HEAL 48 | thevenuemag.com

CBTech Culinary Arts students deliver healthy food to local cancer patients.

By Susie Moberg, CBTech Culinary Arts Instructor

I

n the summer of 2016, Angel from Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation approached us about providing meals to cancer patients and their families. After some thought, it was decided that CB Tech Culinary would provide bone broth (known for its nutritional and healing qualities) to individuals going through cancer treatment and as the project progressed we began to provide meals to families on days that a family member was having treatment.

It is important that students understand what Columbia Cancer Foundation does, providing support for cancer patients. I asked students how many of them had been affected by a family member having cancer or died of the disease? All students raised their hands. We talked about how scary the work cancer is and how hard it is not only on the cancer patients but their loved ones. One of my students shared that his mother died when he was 11 years old from cancer.

Preparing food is more than following a recipe, it's an act of love and caring. I encourage students to think about who they were preparing the food for, and to infuse love and positive energy into each meal.

Currently we provide food for 5 to 6 families a week. We have received donations from many individuals and businesses.

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A

re you currently in treatment for cancer?

The Students at CBTech put their hearts into preparing healthy nutritious bone broth and meals for their neighbors with cancer. Volunteers will deliver these meals every week while you go through cancer treatment.

To sign up for services please call Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation at 509 764-4644 columbiabasincancerfoundation.org Program Sponsor: Genie Team Members, Genie Industries Food Donors: Tonnemaker Farms,Pure Country Harvest, MJC Orchards, Block 40 Meats,Walmart Moses Lake, John and Deana Fought, International Frozen Foods, Animal World Veterinary, Jensen Produce, and CBTech

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Susan and Jerry Moberg

EPHRATA EPHRATA 124 3rd Ave SW

PO Box 124 3rd130, Ave98823 SW PO509.754.2356 Box 130, 98823 509.754.2356

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

SEATTLE SEATTLE 3213 W Wheeler St #58 98199 3213 W Wheeler 888.720.2704 St #58 98199 888.720.2704

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J Keele Photography

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We sat down with

Tom and Whitney Wytko,

the owners of

W

hat made you decide to go into the beer business?

Tom - I have been home brewing for a long time. I enjoy making different styles of beer and experimenting with different malts, hops and other flavor ingredients. Friends and family really enjoyed the beer I made and encouraged us to start our own brewery. Moving to Moses Lake in 2004 we noticed there wasn't a brewery in town at that time. With much soul searching, discussions, research and guts, we decided to move forward with our own brewery project.

Prior to opening St. Brigid's what was your occupation?

Whitney has always been a school teacher and is still teaching. I was in the dairy industry since the 1980's. I managed large dairy farms and dairy heifer feedlots. The last dairy was in southwest Kansas; 7,000 head. I helped start this brand new dairy, so all the equipment, buildings and the cows were all new. What a nightmare! We found out quickly what was designed wrong. Everyday there was a new challenge to keep the place running smoothly. You could say that dairy cured me. After four years at that place, in the middle of nowhere, we headed back to Washington. I got a job in the Basin custom breeding dairy cows.

While doing that job I also went to night school to get my teaching certificate. I began teaching in the Moses Lake School District in 2006 and taught

to get the

details

on some of Moses Lake’s most popular

Micro brews until 2015. I'm now full time with the brewery and taproom.

How did you decide on the name St. Brigid's Brewery & Tap Room?

We struggled at first with the naming the brewery. We gave it much thought but nothing ever seemed to fit. One of our priests was the one who named the brewery. St. Brigid was a saint who lived in Kildare, Ireland in the 4th century.

She did many benevolent things along with countless miracles. The connection is that she brewed beer!

Tell us about your beers?

At the moment we have ten different beers on tap, all of them we brew ourselves. We have a full range of styles, stout, red, brown, pale, IPA, cream, blonde and amber. Our most popular beers are, Grapefruit Explosion, which is brewed with actual grapefruit, Stifler's Mom Blonde Ale, which is light and refreshing with great malt flavor. Our 40 Acre IPA is another of our popular beers, it's more of an English IPA, more emphasis on the malt instead of the hop. We have a couple of new beers; a cream ale called More Cowbell Cream Ale, and a beer brewed with apple called Apple Cup. We also have our winter seasonal, Snowfall, out this year; plenty of malt which balances well with the hop makes this a winter favorite.

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What are some changes from when you opened to now?

When we first opened in 2011, we only had the brewery, which is located on our property.

We did a little bit of wholesaling to local bars and restaurants, beer festivals and local events.

We had plans for a taproom, but couldn't find a site that would work for us. In August of 2013 we opened at our current location. We had four beers on tap and offered bratwurst and pretzels.

We were open three days a week,ThursdaySaturday from 3:30pm-9:30pm. Currently we have 10 beers on tap and a sizable food menu. We offer bratwurst from Cured out of Leavenworth, cheeseburgers, Greek gyros, reuben sandwiches, flat bread pizza, french fries and a few other items. We have come a long way. We are now open WednesdaySaturday and are open for lunch. New hours are 11:30am-9:30pm. We also host events at the taproom. We have done private rentals and charitable events as well.

How have your customers changed?

We have many customers that have been with us since the start of the brewery. Moses Lake has a very dynamic population. People move here, we get to know them, we see them on a regular basis, then they move because of new opportunities, job change or transfer. It's great getting to know so many people, but sad at times because they move away. We keep up with many of them through social media, and once in a while they visit us at the taproom.

We are seeing more people from out of the area stopping in while they are either vacationing, here on temporary work assignment, or passing through on a trip to somewhere else. More and more local folks are finding out about us which is great. We love serving the local area!

Continued on page 57

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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

NEIGHBOR HOMEMADE POWERED BY PIE LOCAL FRESH CHERRY PUMPKIN HARD WORK ROYAL CITY FLAKY CRUST PECAN HANDCRAFTED HOMEMADE LOCAL FRESH CHERRY PUMPKIN HARD WORK ROYAL CITY FLAKY CRUST PECAN HANDCRAFTED ROYAL CITY

thevenuemag.com | 57

Continued from page 55

What is a favorite day for your customers and why?

From September through March it isThursday.

We host trivia night on Thursdays during this time. It's loads of fun; it's a nice diversion during the cold winter months. It also brings people together in a fun and exciting way. During the Spring, Summer, early Fall, any day the weather is warm is a great day to be at St. Brigid's.

Our outdoor patio overlooks the lake which is gorgeous. The sunsets on the patio are amazing as well. It is very relaxing enjoying the natural scenery with a beer and something to eat.

What is the story behind the awesome dog in your logo?

That was our dog, Victoria. She died before the brewery was started. She was the best dog EVER! That is an actual drawing of her, we all miss her very much. She was big but so gentle, she really liked little kids and would get down really low so as not to scare them. Same with little dogs, they would bark at her, and she would bow down and try to make friends; what a sweetie.

What do you see coming in 2018?

BBQ's on the patio, more live music, movies on the patio, expanded food selection are a few ideas we have for 2018. We want St. Brigid's to be a great place to relax, unwind, converse with friends and family and be a place that has exciting and fun events.

606 W. Broadway, Suite C Moses Lake, WA 98837 509 750-8357 509 760-2948 stbrigidsbrewery.com

Ronna Woodward married a cowboy 26 years ago and moved to Grant County.

Now she runs her own business, Pies

by Ronna, right out of a one-woman commercial kitchen in Royal City.

Ronna bakes up the kind of hand-crafted goodness you just don’t see (or taste) these days. At Grant PUD, we’re proud to keep the lights on for small businesses like Ronna’s - supplying the power she needs to create the pies we love.

Powering Our Way of Life.

grantpud.org

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Casual Elegance Central Washington’s Dining Destination

Steaks • Seafood • Salads

910 W. Broadway Ave. • Moses Lake • 509-765-1611

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Monday – Saturday 7am-9pm • Sunday 8am-8pm 221 W. Broadway • Moses Lake • 509.765.4177 • www.michaelsmarketandbistro.com

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Support Students. Support Scholarships.

Support the Big Bend Community College Foundation.

Big Bend Community College Foundation invites you to the Basin’s 17th Annual premier wine dinner and auction.

Cellarbration!

Education for

May 19, 2018

For more information or to RSVP call 509.793.2006

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Come check out our new bottled beer selection

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

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1117 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA

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Red Door Moses Lake's year-around

VINTAGE FAIRE

Vintage, antique, retro, plus... new and consigned furniture, art, home décor and jewelry.

Visit our highly-acclaimed, attached, Red Door Café.

Shopping and eating, a perfect combo!

Red Door and Red Door Café,

202 and 206 West Third, Moses Lake, Wash. (509) 350-5525 - See us on Facebook

Soups, salads, sandwiches, baked goods, ice cream & Craven's Coffee. Connected to Red Door, a unique store offering art, jewelry, antiques, furniture, home décor.

WEATHER STORM

800.852.5316

HZCU.ORG