February 2016
Volume 4 • Issue 2
Elk feeding at Oak Creek
Agriculture leaders honored
A buzz about bees
Don’t miss it Feb. 26 Noon - 2 p.m. Mardi Gras Masquerade Party Parkview Estates 509-734-9773
Pasco Chamber announces 2016 Ag Hall of Fame inductees By Loretto J. Hulse Three farmers, a businessman, a teacher and a banker were welcomed into the Mid-Columbia Agriculture Hall of Fame Jan. 21. The six have all been longtime residents of Southeastern Washington. The inductees’ names were announced at a Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce luncheon Jan. 5. The group was formally inducted into the Mid-Columbia Agriculture Hall of Fame at a dinner Jan. 21 at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel. The dinner was sponsored by the Chamber and the Port of Pasco. The six 2016 inductees will make a total of 69 members of the Agriculture Hall of Fame, said Colin Hastings, executive director of the Pasco chamber. This year’s inductees are the late Lawrence and Iris Hayes of the Connell area, Dick Muhlbeier of Pasco, Kerrin Bleazard of Pasco, Bob Tippett of Pasco and Chep Gauntt of Burbank. The early members of the MidColumbia Agricultural Hall of Fame were all Mid-Columbia agricultural pioneers, Hastings said. “When we first began the Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2000, there was just the one category — the Pioneer Award,” he said. “Six or eight people were inducted that first year and then later categories, like the Agricultural Advisor Award and this year the Stewardship award was added.” The 2016 inductees are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to agriculture and agribusiness in four categories: the Pioneer Award, Young Agribusiness Person of the Year, Agricultural Advisor Award and the Visionary Award. uAGRICULTURE, Page 14
Megan Savely, owner of Frost Me Sweet in Richland, puts the finishing touches on a frosting chrysanthemum decorating the top of a cupcake. It’s one of the designs she’ll be teaching at a March cake decorating class for Kennewick Community Education.
Local chefs, school districts offer spring cooking classes By Loretto J. Hulse Learn some new culinary techniques, test out some tasty recipes and enjoy spending time with fellow foodies at one of the many cooking classes being offered now through this spring. Kennewick Community Education has an impressive list of classes to choose from ranging from traditional Jewish dishes to Chinese cuisine, quick pasta sauces to cupcake creations. Two classes are also being offered at the impressive Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser. At these two students will be able to sip a glass of wine or beer while watching Chef Kristin Johnson whip up several sweet and savory dishes. Here’s a rundown of the culinary opportunities available:
Kennewick Community Education There are 12 cooking classes being offered now until May through Kennewick Community Education. The classes will cover some traditional dishes from various regions of the world, some easy recipes for twosomes and the basics of using a pressure canner to preserve low-acid foods like meats. Megan Savely, founder and owner of Frost Me Sweet Bistro & Bakery in Richland, will share baking and cake decorating tips in a March 22 class. “This will be a hands-on class, so be prepared for sticky fingers,” Savely said. With the class scheduled two days after the first day of spring Savely’s theme is going to be flowers — roses, mums — whatever strikes her fancy. uCULINARY, Page 2
Medicare offers weight loss program that can help you meet New Year’s goals By Mary Coffman It’s a new year and that has many people making weight loss a priority. Many may be looking into one of the many weight-loss programs available commercially to consumers, but those who are eligible for Medicare, may have options they don’t know about. In some cases, Medicare pays for obesity screening as a preventative service. For those who qualify for the obesity screening, Medicare pays for up to
22 face-to-face, intensive counseling sessions a year with a primary care doctor who accepts Medicare. Qualifying clients must have a body mass index of 30 or higher. Those who are interested should contact their primary care doctor first to see if they offer the program, which they can read more about on the Medicare website. Even if you don’t qualify, here are some tips that can help you in your quest to lose those extra pounds. uMEDICARE, Page 9
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