06/12/08 Lower Valley briefs

Chukar Cherries up against top competition

PROSSER -- Chukar Cherries will participate in a top-flight food and wine tasting event this weekend in Aspen, Colo.

The 26th annual Food & Wine Magazine Classic features seminars, tastings and cooking demonstrations. It's regarded as one of the top destinations for culinary talent.

Chukar Cherries, a Prosser business that makes cherry-based food gifts, will take part in the Grand Tasting.

3-on-3 hoop tournament nears in Grandview

GRANDVIEW -- The city of Grandview will hold its 15th annual three-on-three basketball tournament June 21.

Registration deadline is 4 p.m. Friday.

The Grand Hoops Fiesta Youth Basketball Tournament is open to boys and girls ages 7-18. Cost is $60 per team.

Register at the Parks and Recreation Office at 303 W. Wine Country Road. Volunteers are needed. For more information, call 882-9219.

Youth Awards winners named in White Swan

WHITE SWAN -- Winners of the annual Youth Awards here have been announced.

The awards cover a variety of categories, including arts, community service and family life. Some are given to individuals, some to groups.

Here are this year's results:

Arts: Desiree Pebeahsy, White Swan/Harrah Band; Citizenship: Lauren Heintzman, Skaters of Swan; Community Service: Laura Herrera, Independent Living Class; Personal Achievement: Justin Jervis Watlamett, Davis Watlamett; Cultural Awareness: Cato Moses-Hyipeeer, Whila Ray; Courage: Travis Dick and Davin Rutherford; Family Life: Andrew Espindola and Jim Ike; Leadership: Whila Ray, Group SADD; and Business/Enterprise: Ben Heintzman and Jody Dolittle.

Goldendale library program is under way

GOLDENDALE -- The Goldendale Community Library has begun its summer reading program.

Kids keep track of reading and earn prizes, including gift certificates to local businesses and online booksellers.

The program also will feature Friday afternoon events and performers.

For more information, call the Goldendale Community Library at 773-4487.

Workshop on wine is slated for July

PROSSER -- Yakima Valley Community College and the Prosser Economic Development Association will team up to hold a customer service and wine tasting room management workshop in July.

Elizabeth Slater, a wine industry trainer and consultant from Windsor, Calif., will lead the daylong seminar July 10 at the Benton PUD conference room, 250 Gap Road.

The first session, running 8:30 a.m. to noon, will cover customer service techniques. The afternoon session, 1-4:30 p.m. will deal with tasting room management.

For more information, call Trent Ball at the community college at 882-7007, or e-mail tball@yvcc.edu.

Kosmos looking for new members

PROSSER -- Lower Valley people who participate each week in the activities of Tri-Cities Kosmos are recruiting more people to commute with them.

Kosmos is a social club for single people over the age of 50. The group holds dances, dinners and tours. Members meet at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday at a Kennewick restaurant.

To join the Lower Valley contingent, call Linda Davis at 786-1821 or e-mail her at prossergal@yahoo.com.

Toppenish alumni will take to wrestling mats

TOPPENISH -- Toppenish Middle School is hosting its inaugural alumni exhibition wrestling matches at 6 p.m. Friday in the gym.

The event is a fundraiser for the Toppenish Middle School athletic department. It's open to anyone 18 and older who went to a Toppenish school. Each participant pays a $20 entry fee and sets up their own match. Admission is $2.

Those wishing to participate must sign up prior to the event on Friday.