Psst ... did you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?  OK ... I know the answer to that question.  Plus, we've been highlighting the Legacy Ford team that JUST finished the 3-day walk in Seattle over the weekend!

Our PINK issue for October highlights not only healthcare providers helping in the fight against breast cancer, but you'll also find great local resources to share and our cover mom Kathy Tucker's story.

Many organizations will host events during October to raise funds, raise awareness or simply support survivors and women currently battling the disease.  One of the events we were recently made aware of is:  Let's Make Pink Just Another Color!
The Tri-Cities Cancer Center kicks off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Monday, October 1 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at the Cancer Center on Deschutes.  You may have seen the flyers and information around the community, but we were fortunate to find out a little more information to share with you!

Open House with educational "Theaters" covering the following topics:

• Breast self-exam education

• No-cost resources available for cancer patients in our region

• Current materials on a variety of breast cancer health topics

• Upcoming cancer screenings courtesy of the Tri-Cities Cancer Center's Foundation

6:30 p.m. - Special Pink Lighting Ceremony where the Cancer Center will be lit up with 1000 twinkling pink LED lights!

First 200 guests will receive a complementary event t-shirt!

It's important to note that The Tri-Cities Cancer Center is able to offer programs like this, at no cost, thanks to community support through the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation. Donations to the Tri-Cities Cancer Center Foundation stay local and provide valuable non-reimbursed cancer programs and services for patients, their families, and the community.

If you attend the event Monday evening, post a comment to our FB page or here on the blog!  We'd love to hear your thoughts, what touched you and what you learned.

Share the events you know about or may be planning to attend in October to support Breast Cancer Awareness HERE with MOMS in our community!

Fall reminds us of changing leaves, pumpkin pie and of course sports physicals if your child participates in sports. Even if your child doesn't need a sports physical you can make a doctor visit fun for the whole family on Saturday, October 9^th, during Kadlec Clinic's Fall Festival. The West Richland Primary Care facility, located at 3950 Keene Road, will offer you a chance to meet providers with a variety of activities that are sure to entice the kiddos.

Face painting, a bike rodeo, bouncy house, pumpkin painting and even snacks will be available to families from 12 to 2 pm on the 9^th. In addition, you can enter to win raffle prizes such as a TV, iPod shuffle, digital camera and more. Make the most of your trip by getting a free seasonal flu shot (for the first 300 attendees).

The Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia will hold its annual Books & Vines event this Thursday, September 9^th, to raise funds that support literacy and reading programs within our community.

The event will take place at Bookwalter Winery from 5:30 to 9:00 and includes a family-style meal, wines and live music. Dinner will be prepared by Chef Frank Magana with Picazzo 7Seventeen, wines from Bookwalter Winery and the music of Bluestone. Guests can bid on auction items with 100% of the proceeds supporting the local charity.

The event is generously supported by Bechtel National, Inc. with additional sponsorships by Sun Pacific Energy and Bookwalter Winery. Tickets are $100 and are available by contacting the Reading Foundation at 222-7323.

As summer winds down, something more than school is beginning in Tri-Cities... a new children's singing and performing group called TaVaci School of Performing Arts opened this August and is now enrolling for Fall Semester classes! TaVaci (tuh-vah-see) uses the performing arts as a vehicle to teach life skills to children, ages four through twelve. The educational program teaches singing, drama, rhythm, choreography, and theory with an emphasis on proper vocal technique. Katee James, Tri-Cities' TaVaci director, will lead weekly classes at her home music studio, as well as directing biannual concerts. For more information about class days and times, call (509) 547-4745. To register for classes, simply email tavacitricities@gmail.com for a registration packet. Check out this great opportunity!

Current TaVaci classes:

Tuesday 4:00-5:00pm (ages 4-7, pre-k to 2nd grade)

Thursday 4:00-5:00pm (ages 8-12, 3rd to 6th grade)

As enrollment grows, more classes will be offered to ensure class sizes remain small for an optimal learning environment. All classes will be held at my home studio in West Pasco.

Just when you thought it was safe to go outside, there's a very good reason to stay indoors! On a weekly basis, the Sun Mart Reading Van, sponsored by Sun Pacific Energy, is sharing the love of reading with kids around the community. Through a partnership with the Mid-Columbia Reading Foundation, volunteers are focused on visiting daycare centers, preschools and in-home childcare centers to lead story times and get kids excited about reading. The kids receive a free book, and teachers or providers often receive additional activity ideas to extend the story experience. If you are interested in having the Sun Mart Reading Van visit your child's preschool or care provider, or just want to volunteer some time to read to children, contact the Reading Foundation at 222-7323.