Articles by Kristina Lord
Richland winery opens riverside tasting room in Vancouver
A Richland winery has opened a tasting room downriver from the Tri-Cities in hopes of expanding its customer base. Barnard Griffin’s new storefront joined a growing number of wineries setting up shop at The Waterfront in Vancouver, just across the Columbia River from Portland. “It’s been a long time in the planning,” said Deborah Barnard,…
Downsized pasta restaurant provides better chance of survival
When the owners of Pacific Pasta & Grill decided to downsize to survive the pandemic, they also took the opportunity to create a more efficient operation. “We fixed all the mistakes of the old restaurant,” said co-owner Niki Young. The restaurant opened Dec. 19 at 603 Goethals Drive in Richland after closing the doors at…
Bluewood carves out room on mountain for safe skiing
Northwest ski resorts have spent the better part of the year planning for Covid-19 contingencies to ensure skiers and snowboarders can race down their favorite slopes safely this winter. Bluewood, the Tri-Cities’ closest resort which is owned by seven Tri-Citians, has been planning since March. It’s outside of Dayton, about 80 miles east of the…
Surge in donations prompts Richland thrift store expansion
When one door closes, another opens – in this case quite literally. The unexpected closure of a neighboring business and a spring surge in community donations prompted Community Thrift’s expansion. The 1½-year-old thrift shop at 303 Wellsian Way in Richland recently took over the lease of the storefront once occupied by Cascade Sign & Apparel…
Hike Tri-Cities is just what the nurse practitioner ordered
Paul Shoemaker loves the solace and beauty of the Tri-City desert landscape. A nurse practitioner with a news background and a passion for healthy living, the West Richland man is happy to share his favorite hikes and walks with the community. The 56-year-old’s passion for the outdoors and what the Tri-City area has to offer…
Boardman hotel builds riverfront cabins with a view
Tri-Citians looking for change of scenery that doesn’t involve a long drive or flight can head about 50 miles south to stay in a riverside cabin with panoramic views of the Columbia River. The River Lodge & Grill in Boardman broke ground on two cabins, which will be ready to reserve starting July 1. And…
Meals on Wheels ramps up frozen meal production to feed seniors
Though Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels’ eight dining centers shut down daily hot lunch service and drivers have curtailed meal delivery to seniors’ doorsteps, the nonprofit’s staff and volunteers have been busy assembling frozen meals. “We’re not planning to go anywhere. We’ve been here 46 years, and although these are scary times, we’re here for them.…
Staying at home? Why not plant a garden?
Royceann Taft knows there’s solace to be found in the garden. The Master Gardener who lives in Kennewick said anyone can tap into it, especially in times of isolation or stress. “I have seen research that says that being out in the soil and sun is very, very good for your immune system. Not just…
New Kennewick memory care home to open this spring
Kennewick’s newest residential memory care facility had plans to open this month but the state agency in charge of licensing assisting living facilities likely won’t issue one until March. It typically takes the state Department of Social and Health Services four to six months to process assisted living facility license applications, according to state officials.…
Demand for senior meals growing along with need for volunteers
An agency that prides itself on “delivering kindness” is on track to serve 220,000 meals to 2,400 seniors by year’s end. That’s a 5 percent increase over the previous year. The volunteer drivers for Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels distribute about 450 meals to homebound seniors each day along 45 routes in Benton and Franklin counties.…
