The 2010 Direct Seed Cropping Systems Conference is where progressive growers are planning to meet, January 20 and 21 in Kennewick, WA. This annual direct seed conference, the largest in the Pacific Northwest, delivers two information packed days of agronomy, technology and cropping systems information. Listen to 30 keynote and guest speakers and choose from 6 concurrent session topics. There is lots of networking time at the research poster session and the industry trade show. Visit www.directseed.org/conference.html for more information or call the Pacific Northwest Direct Seed Association at 208.883.0190.

Hosted by Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society A presentation by Dennis Dauble This presentation describes how fish and fishing are intertwined with the lifestyle and culture of Pacific Northwest residents. It provides background on historical fishing practices of American Indian tribes, shows the influence of white settlement on fish populations, and discusses how modern-day water-use practices lead to conflicts between resource management policy and public values. The presentation is made up of primarily PowerPoint slides interspersed with selected readings from historical literature such as the journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Railroad Surveys. Dennis Dauble has studied fishes of the Columbia and Snake rivers as a researcher for more than 30 years. He currently teaches a course in fish ecology at Washington State University's Tri-Cities campus and writes about natural history of fishes for regional publications. He is also author of a field guide, Fishes of the Columbia Basin, published in 2009. In addition to scientific symposia, Dennis regularly presents at conservation and civic clubs, including the Audubon Society, Kiwanis, and Columbia Basin Flycasters.

For years LIGO has offered drop-in tours for the public on the second Saturday of every month.  Now a second monthly tour will be added each fourth Friday from 3 to 5 p.m.  The rules will be the same -- no reservations or ID checks needed, international visitors are welcome, all ages are welcome, admission is free and there is no such thing as a dumb question about LIGO.  Check LHO's Tours page for complete tour information.  Remember that the Observatory offers privately scheduled tours for groups of 15 or more.

"Rabbit Hole" by David Lindsay-Abaire. The play focuses on a couple, Becca and Howie, trying to cope with the death of their only child, a four-year-old, in an auto accident, while Becca’s well-meaning mom and off-kilter sister attempt to lift their spirits (and deal with their own problems), each in her own inimitable way. The couple's lives are further complicated when the young driver who killed their son contacts them seeking closure as well. Abaire received the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work.

Tickets: Adults $20 Students 10 -19 $12 Seniors 62 & over $15 Children 3-9 $9

Fresh Dungeness Crab, Coleslaw, Baked Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and Hot Garlic Bread. Soda, Water, Sports drinks for purchase, along with beer and wine. RAFFLE! To order tickets please contact the Benton Franklin Humane Society at 509 374-4235 or stop by at 8620 W. Gage Blvd. in Kennewick (across from Costco). You can purchase tickets over the phone or in person with a credit card (Visa & MasterCard) , by check, or cash. $36/person at the door or at the Shelter. ALL proceeds go to the BFHS. Call (509) 374-4235 for more information.

Two day show: January 23rd - 9am to 6pm January 24th - 9am to 3pm Admission: $6.00 per person

"Rabbit Hole" by David Lindsay-Abaire. The play focuses on a couple, Becca and Howie, trying to cope with the death of their only child, a four-year-old, in an auto accident, while Becca’s well-meaning mom and off-kilter sister attempt to lift their spirits (and deal with their own problems), each in her own inimitable way. The couple's lives are further complicated when the young driver who killed their son contacts them seeking closure as well. Abaire received the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work.

Tickets: Adults $20 Students 10 -19 $12 Seniors 62 & over $15 Children 3-9 $9

Two day show: January 23rd - 9am to 6pm January 24th - 9am to 3pm Admission: $6.00 per person

What better way to spend a cold, gray, January afternoon than listening to the Brahms' Symphony No. 2? Warm up fast as the symphony throws Javelin by Michael Torke. The Atlanta Committee for the Olympics commissioned this "sonic Olympiad" to celebrate the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's 50th Anniversary Season. Keep the heat on with Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings and then head to the lobby for some after-concert cheer. The new acoustic shell, introduced during the 2008-09 season, refined and defined the quality of the sound at the Three Rivers Convention Center. To take advantage of the improved sound, venue seating has been updated. A Conductor's Circle, the "best seats in the house" has been added and both Gold and Silver seating sections have expanded. 

"Rabbit Hole" by David Lindsay-Abaire. The play focuses on a couple, Becca and Howie, trying to cope with the death of their only child, a four-year-old, in an auto accident, while Becca’s well-meaning mom and off-kilter sister attempt to lift their spirits (and deal with their own problems), each in her own inimitable way. The couple's lives are further complicated when the young driver who killed their son contacts them seeking closure as well. Abaire received the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work.

New speakers, improved programs and your favorite social events. General admission is still $5 at the door.

Please join us every other Tuesday night for our bi-weekly wine tasting. We will pour you a sip of three special wines as you arrive for dinner. When you find a new wine that you love, enjoy a glass or bottle with dinner and feel free to buy a bottle at lower retail “to go” prices to take home as well. What a great way to shop for wine!

New speakers, improved programs and your favorite social events. General admission is still $5 at the door.

We meet the first Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. each month. We organized the group to discuss and evaluate and to become more educated about alternative energy systems. We offer manufacturers, vendors, individuals and experts to speak to us about their technologies in a non-threatening, open discussion environment.  Currently sponsored in whole by MPN, LLC, owner of the 3-Rivers Synergy Center.  http://www.synergycentre.net/.  Call: 1 (888) 684-2161 (toll free) or (509) 942-4328 for more information.  

New speakers, improved programs and your favorite social events. General admission is still $5 at the door.

If your 2010 resolutions include saving for retirement, get started on the goal with Retirement Planning Today. This two-part course for adults ages 50-70 is led by Todd Halterman of Pacific Crest Planning in Kennewick. Learn how to determine how much money is needed to retire comfortably, eliminate debt, improve cash flow, convert an IRA, transfer risk of potential financial losses, and more. Two sessions offered: Session A on Thursdays, Jan. 28 & Feb. 4. Session B on Tuesdays, Feb. 2 & Feb. 9. Cost is $69 and each attendee may bring a spouse or guest at no additional charge, although only one workbook is provided with the tuition. Advance registration and payment is required. Seating is limited.

The 9th Annual Arts and Music Scholarship Gala is preparing for its biggest and best year ever. 2010 will celebrate the amazing music of “Gershwin.” This post holiday event (meet the artist and dessert reception) is certain to make for a night of top-notch family entertainment and support amazing programs right here in our local schools. Special performances by two current scholarship recipients will be a highlight capping an event not soon to be forgotten. The event, in partnership between the Pasco Visual and Performing Arts Department and the Pasco Education Foundation, aspires to raise over $5000 for scholarships and arts grants to be distributed at year-end to qualified students who will be pursuing arts interests into college.

Not rated. French (subtitled). One day in a pharmacy, proud, ornery Mado (Dominique Marcas, superb) accosts self-sufficient divorcee Isabelle (Marion Held). Accompanying the crotchety old woman to her home, Isabelle discovers she's living in a decrepit cold-water studio without a tub, toilet or phone. Isabelle finds herself both repulsed by and drawn to what she's seen. Little favors turn into regular visits, during which Mado is as likely to be gruff as appreciative. Adults $3 unless BSA member Series Passes are available.

This is part of the Broadway and More! Series. Ticket prices are from $27 - $57 and will be available at Ticketmaster.com or through the Toyota Center Box Office.

"Rabbit Hole" by David Lindsay-Abaire. The play focuses on a couple, Becca and Howie, trying to cope with the death of their only child, a four-year-old, in an auto accident, while Becca’s well-meaning mom and off-kilter sister attempt to lift their spirits (and deal with their own problems), each in her own inimitable way. The couple's lives are further complicated when the young driver who killed their son contacts them seeking closure as well. Abaire received the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work.

The 9th Annual Arts and Music Scholarship Gala is preparing for its biggest and best year ever. 2010 will celebrate the amazing music of “Gershwin.” This post holiday event (meet the artist and dessert reception) is certain to make for a night of top-notch family entertainment and support amazing programs right here in our local schools. Special performances by two current scholarship recipients will be a highlight capping an event not soon to be forgotten. The event, in partnership between the Pasco Visual and Performing Arts Department and the Pasco Education Foundation, aspires to raise over $5000 for scholarships and arts grants to be distributed at year-end to qualified students who will be pursuing arts interests into college.

All proceeds go to the Special Olympics. The event starts at 11 a.m. in Columbia Park. Jump time is normally around 12 noon.  There are contests for costumes, there's also a hot tub or two availalbe to soak in before or after the plunge.