Town Square in Kennewick: A New Era of Dementia Care with Heart, Play, and Purpose

 

By Mike Gonzalez

10/10/25 

Kennewick, WA

Town Square at 825 N. Edison Suite 130 Kennewick, WA

A new and innovative concept in memory care has arrived in the Tri-Cities — and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Nestled on Edison Street in Kennewick, just across from Kamiakin High School, Town Square looks more like a charming vintage village than a care center. Step inside, and you’ll find a vibrant community designed to help individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and other cognitive challenges rediscover joy, purpose, and connection in their daily lives.


Town Square Kennewick is the first of its kind in Washington State and only the 11th location nationwide. The concept was first created by Dr. George Leonard in California during the early 1990s. What began as a humble respite center — offering caregivers a break while supporting loved ones with memory issues — has grown into a revolutionary model for engagement and enrichment.

                                KATIE HAYNES - TOWNSQUARE CENTER DIRECTOR

“Dr. Leonard started by simply helping families who needed a few hours of support,” said Kate Haynes, the Center Director. “That evolved into the idea of building an entire ‘town’ where people could socialize, reminisce, and participate in meaningful activities. It’s about creating joy and giving people purpose in their day.”

A Town Built for Connection

Inside Town Square, guests are greeted with bright, open spaces, cheerful colors, and familiar sights that evoke happy memories — from a retro diner to a movie theater, a small golf area, and even a quiet “blue house” for conversation and creative projects. The environment feels more like Main Street, USA, than a medical facility.

                              WATCH YOUTUBE VIDEO ON HISTORY OF TOWN SQUARE

    The Kennewick Town Square features a large welcoming feel!

“This isn’t a nursing home,” Haynes said. “It’s a fun, playful place that encourages people to stay active, socialize, and feel good about their day.”

Each themed storefront provides a different opportunity for engagement — whether it’s bowling, reading vintage magazines, watching old movies, or reminiscing about favorite holidays.

The Science Behind the Smiles

At the heart of Town Square’s approach is Montessori-style programming, an evidence-based method that emphasizes independence, creativity, and self-directed learning. Activities are designed to strengthen cognitive pathways through hands-on exercises, conversation, and memory stimulation.

“We focus on what people can still do — not what they’ve lost,” Haynes explained. “If a person’s memory is affected by dementia or a stroke, the brain can still build new pathways. We help them do that through conversation, creativity, and play.”

Programs also incorporate reminiscence therapy — using music, imagery, and storytelling to evoke positive memories — and gentle physical activity to improve mood, mobility, and sleep quality.

More Than Memory Care — A Community Hub

Town Square is open to everyone, not just those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Many members join simply for the socialization and sense of belonging. Memberships are flexible, allowing individuals to attend on specific days each week, much like a gym or community center.

“Adults forget how to play sometimes,” Haynes said with a smile. “But play is so important to mental and emotional health. Here, people rediscover that joy — and families notice a difference at home. They sleep better, feel more confident, and are less isolated.”

A Place That Feels Like Home

During my visit, the energy was contagious. From the laughter echoing in the diner to the quiet moments in the Blue House, every space radiated warmth and dignity. “What matters most,” Haynes emphasized, “is how people feel when they leave — like they had purpose in their day.”

Town Square’s grand opening celebration takes place this Friday, featuring a champagne toast, community tours, and special guests from across the Tri-Cities.

If you know someone who could benefit from a supportive, engaging environment — or if you’re a caregiver in need of respite — Town Square Kennewick offers a refreshing, compassionate approach to care and community.

Town Square in Kennewick can be found on Edison Street, across from Kamiakin High School

825 N. Edison .Suite 130 Kennewick, WA 99336 509-713-1297 Email Lhaynes@townsquare.net. 

www.townsquare.net

Contact the center for membership information and tour

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How to get a hot shower anytime you want!

Michael Heppler shows off a tankless water heater 

Are you tired of your hot water running out when you really want to take a relaxing shower or bath?

If you’ve got a full house, packed with kids, significant others and anybody else in the family --- then you know --- it’s almost impossible to get a hot shower if you’re the last person in the house to get one.

But have you ever thought about a tankless water heater?

Watch Michael Heppler talk about tankless water heaters.

12 News' Mike Gonzalez had a chance to talk with a plumbing expert Michael Hepler from Step Up Plumbing in Phoenix who says you’ll save money in the long run --- and even raise the value of your home when you decide sell it.  Heppler says if you have a conventional water heater…the sooner you get rid of it...the better.

"Basically we have 1950’S Technology called the tank water heater --- that is on 24/7, 365 days a year. When that glass gets worn out,  it hits the metal  --- then it can flood the garage," says Heppler.

Heppler says tankless water heater will cost you about twice much as an old tank water heater. For a home with 2 to 3 bathrooms, it will run about $3,200 dollars.

"It’s going to last twice as long. 15 to 20 years is the what the warranty is on a tankless water heater. Where your old water heater has a 9 year warranty. 

Michael says new technology has finally caught up with the tankless water heater industry, it's drastically improved the safety, it's saves you space....your husband will get his garage back --- you'll have more space in your closet,  and allows for endless hot water in throughout your house.

"So you’re getting 97 percent efficiency here. Your old water runs 24/7 and it is at 60 percent efficiency. That means 40 percent of your money is going out the window," says Heppler.

Heppler says he’s seeing more investors asking him to install tankless water heaters in homes. "I compare it to a granite counter top. You can’t sell a house without one these days.  It’s the only thing you can put in the house and add value, " said Heppler.

There's also advantages for snowbirds. 

"A tankless water heater  will  never flood your house. If you’re snow bird you never half to drain you water heater before you leave Phoenix you just press this. When you come back next year you just push the button," says Heppler.

Heppler says installation takes 6 to 7 hours  ---and must be performed by a licensed plumber --- if not, most manufacturers,  will not honor the warranty. Heppler says this is no do it yourself project...so be very careful who you choose.

 "You stand in your shower and it never runs out of hot water," said Heppler with a smile.

So if you’ve been asking the age old question of how to get a hot shower anytime I want? Now you have the answer.

If you’d like to get more information on tankless water heaters, contact Michael at Step Up Plumbing at 480-703-3533.

Owner of the only Cuban restaurant in Phoenix living the American Dream.

Cuban Foods Bakery and Restaurant 43rd and Peoria in9 Phoenix, AZ 602-296-575

Even though Cuba is 2,243 miles from Phoenix, Manuel Cias-Hernandez has kept the island close to his heart. "Cuba is a beautiful country. It's surrounded by water with great beaches. It has wonderul food. I wanted to bring a piece of the island with me here. That's why I opened the restaurant," said Cias-Hernandez.

Manuel Cias-Hernandez shows of the flan to the camera

HFNTV paid Cuban Foods Bakery and Restaurant a visit in the middle of August during an Arizona heat wave. But even temperatures around 110 degrees didn't stop dozens of customers from streaming in all day. "We love it here. This is comida typica (Authentic Cuisine). It's just like the Island," said Juan Ramirez.

Cuban style steak

Ramirez is a Cuban transplant from Orlando, Florida comes to the restaurant beause it's the only place he can get Cuban style steak, white rice and black beans. "Besides the great food Manuel and Ana are great people. We come for the great food but it's a great experience also," said Ramirez.

Cuban style chcken marinated in Lemon and Garlic topped with Onions, served with blace bean and white rice

When Manuel Cias-Hernandez reflects on how far he's come 12 years after leaving Cuba it's easy to
see why he always has a smile on his face. "We came here more than 12  years ago as political refugees. We decided to stay in Arizona because we could find work easy here. We got here November 3, 2005. The tempature was 110. It was something new at the time," said Cias-Hernandez.

At 28 years old Manuel Cias-Hernandez and his wife Ana were political refugees. The pair had
a young son, 100 dollars in their pocket and head full of dreams they wanted to make come true.
"The beginning it was hard because this is a capitalist country, obviously it's a lot different
mind set. But I just love this country. It's about putting in the hard work. We really worked
hard to get great results and you can see the fruits of our labor now. It's all worth it. In 2015 we became U.S. citizens and we are so proud, " said  Cias-Hernandez.

Media Noche is a version of the Cuban Sandwich with a different sytle bread.

As political refugees Manuel and Ana were given an apartment for six months in central Phoenix.
Manuel worked in construction and Ana worked odd jobs. But the couple always kept their eye
on the dream of opening Phoenix's first Cuban restaurant. After five years of saving for his dream Manuel finally made it happen. "I had to have two jobs. I worked from 5 a.m  in the construction business. Then I'd come here to the restaurant from 4 to 10. It was hard for two years. No weekends just working. We opened this restaurant seven years ago," said Cias-Hernandez,

The resturant would be named Cuban Foods Bakery and Restaurant. The restaurant opened with just six tables. Today there are more than a dozen tables and 52 chairs. When the restaurant opened it took a lot of work to convince the city of Phoenix that Cuban food was really good.

"People said a Cuban restaurant here? People said okay let me try it. It was kind of slow.
We had to stay here for many hours waiting for the people. At that time we didn't have money
for commericals. So we had to rely on the quality of the food and word of mouth. We would tell
customers tell everyone that you ate here. To me that's the best advertising that you can have. We make fresh pastries here. The food is made in more of a Caribbean style. We don't use a lot of spices or hot chili like Mexican cuisine. A lot of my customers are Mexican and they love the food. It's really good so once people try it out they really like it," said Cias-Hernandez.

You'll love what's on the menu! Side orders include Cuban classics like black beans and white rice, Papas fritas, Yuca con Mojo, Tostones and Moros Cristianos.

Appetizers that's you'll love include: Papas Rellenas, Croquetas de Jamon and Empanadas de Carne just to mention a few. The Cuban sandwich is always a favorite. Pan con Bistec will leave you satisfied. You'll love the Pollo a la Plancha is grilled chicken marinated in garlic and Lemon topped with grilled onions.

Flan

The bakery  has arguably the best flan in Arizona! They also have what's called Tociniollo del Cielo, that is a vanailla cake topped with egg flan. If that's not enough to satisfy your sweet tooth then you need to try the La Senorita-it's a flaky pastry filled with layers of creamy custard. There's so many amazing things on the menu we'll just let you check it out for
yourself. CLICK THIS LINK TO TRY THEIR MENU.

As for Manuel and Ana they continue to work to make their restaurant grow. He says when  you try Cuban food you're going to be a fan for life. "Once the people try it for the first time they love it. Because we do everything fresh. We try and do everything to bring customers in and make them happy," said Cias-Hernandez.

Customers are definitely happy you opened the only Cuban restaurant in Phoenix!

Cuban Foods Bakery and Restaurant can be found at 10649 N. 43rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85209
(43rd and Peoria)
Call 602-296-5759
(END OF PKG)

NW Food, Brew and Wine Episode 8!