Alpine Animal Hospital
Staying healthy during flu season can be difficult, especially if you have little ones running around the house or are out and about more frequently. You can always take precautions to help your body fight against the flu. Not the stomach flu, influenza. Instead of stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea, influenza only affects the respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs).
Below, Dr. Kim Guida, MD at Pullman Family Medicine answered some of the most common questions about the flu, the flu vaccine and how to best stay healthy through these next few months.
How can I stay healthy during flu season?
“Get the flu vaccine! This is the single most effective tool in reducing your risk of flu illness. You can also wear a mask in crowded locations, cover your cough (elbow or tissue) to avoid spreading germs and wash your hands frequently.
“If soap and water are not nearby or handy, use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer. Avoid close contact with other people who are ill.”
How much does the flu vaccine actually help?
“The effectiveness of the flu shot can vary year to year, depending on how well-matched the vaccine is to the predominant circulating strains of the flu virus. Overall, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness by 40-60%.
“In addition, if a vaccinated person contracts the flu, they are much less likely to have a severe case of the flu or be hospitalized.”
Should I get the flu vaccine if I am pregnant? Is it safe for my baby?
“Absolutely, yes. Pregnant people are at higher risk for complications from influenza infection due to changes in the immune system during pregnancy. In addition, the flu vaccine can protect the infant in the first months of life, when they are too young to be vaccinated.”
Should I get my kids vaccinated?
“Again, yes! The flu vaccine is recommended for all children aged six months and up. It can be lifesaving for children, especially those under the age of 5 and those with
chronic health conditions. While most children recover from flu infection, in the 2019-2020 season (before the full-blown Covid-19 pandemic), 189 children died from the flu in the US. This is a preventable illness! Why take the risk?”
Does wearing a mask prevent me from getting the flu?
“Yes! The flu spreads by respiratory droplets released when infected people speak, cough, or sneeze – these can be directly inhaled by those nearby or transmitted by hands that touch contaminated surfaces.
“Early in the Covid-19 pandemic, masks led to a dramatic reduction in flu cases.”
STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE SFCC PULLMAN CENTER 25 TH ANNIVERSARY
Jenni Spencer is a tenured faculty member in the Communications Studies department of SFCC. She has taught at the Pullman Center since 2009, making her the longest-serving faculty member at the Pullman Center. Jenni holds a M.A. in Communication from the University of New Mexico. She and her family have also been long-term residents of Pullman.
Tell us about your connection with SFCC Pullman!
Let me first say, happy 25th anniversary to the Pullman Center of the Spokane Falls Community College! So much has changed in 25 years, and I had a front-row seat to many of these changes. When I started teaching communication classes with the SFCC Pullman Center sixteen years ago, we were in the Gladish Community Center, and I taught almost exclusively in-person classes.
What’s different now?
Today, our location on the WSU campus gives our students access to some WSU resources and being
part of a university environment. We now teach a mixture of online and in-person classes, have a thriving Running Start population [Washington’s dual enrollment program for high school juniors and seniors], have our own science lab, and teach a wider variety of subjects and classes.
What is important to you in teaching?
One of my favorite things about teaching at the Pullman Center is seeing the growth students make from the first to the last day of class. It’s satisfying for me to hear that a student is less nervous about giving a speech or wanting to learn more about other cultures. The small class sizes at SFCC allow me to tailor my teaching to what each student needs to be successful. Making these kinds of connections with students is what community college is all about. What else do you appreciate in your teaching experiences?
It is great fun when students take multiple classes with me, as I can continue to be part of their academic journey. I also enjoy running into former students at WSU or in the community and catching up. It’s the students who make teaching rewarding and fulfilling. It’s what makes the Pullman Center special.
What do you hope the Pullman Center will look like in 5 to 10 years?
I wish for the Pullman Center to continue to grow its student population and class offerings, expand in-person events and activities, increase accessibility through teaching in different formats, and strengthen our relationships with WSU and the Pullman community.
News & Updates
The Pullman Center is hiring! We are inviting applications for a halftime, temporary Office Assistant. The position is scheduled for Mondays-Fridays, 9:00am – 1:15pm, and expected to run through the end of the calendar year. Apply now at bit.ly/pullman_employment
Join our English as a Second Language (ESL), General Education Diploma (GED), and High School+ (HS+) programs! Flexible classes and supportive instructors make it easy to take the next step toward your goals. We also offer online options to fit your busy schedule! Contact: SCC.Pullman@scc.spokane.edu or call 509-332-2706 and press 2 to learn about enrollment and access to our Center’s resources, including computers and internet access. Sign up now for the winter term!
Calendar
January 5 - March 25
Winter Term ’26, College, ESL, GED, and HS+ Programs
April 6 - June 18
Spring Term ’26, College, ESL, GED, and HS+ Programs
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Membership dues are assessed on the anniversary month of a member joining the Chamber. Special thanks go out to the following businesses and individuals who have elected to continue their support of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce:
• Airway Hills Golf Center
• Anita's Rentals
• Center for Civic Engagement (WSU)
• Columbia Bank
• Design West Architects
• Electrical Contractors NW Inc
• Happy Day Catering and Event Rental
• Harvest Hills Wind
• Helene's Property Place, LLC
• Hilliard, Jack and Betty Jo
• Hood, Marian
• Paradise Creek Brewery - Trailside Taproom
• PRH Auxiliary/ Diane's Gift Garden
• Quality Inn - Paradise Creek
• Red Anvil Design Works
• Rosauers Supermarkets
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church
• Sage Interiors LLC
• Taylor Galloway - At Home Realty, LLC.
NEW MEMBERS
• Speakeasy Hair & Beauty
• Raven Rock Media Group, LLC
• Pacific Northwest Hearing
• Hurley Media Group
• Mainsail Agency
Updated in 2024, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Pullman combines modern comfort with hometown charm. Every detail—from the redesigned guest rooms to the inviting lobby and social spaces—has been updated with both style and hospitality in mind.
Our meeting space provides an ideal setting for business gatherings, community events, or celebrations of all kinds. Guests can also enjoy Crimson Bar + Bites, a relaxed and stylish venue perfect for unwinding with friends, hosting small parties, or sharing a memorable meal.
As a proud part of the Pullman community, the Hampton Inn team is committed to offering welcoming spaces, attentive service, and a true sense of local hospitality to every guest. Whether visiting for business, leisure, or a special event, the hotel celebrates what makes Pullman such a remarkable place to call home.
Students of the Month
Luke Gao
Luke Gao, son of Bo Gao and Hongyan Sheng, has maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking the most rigorous courses offered at PHS. He has already taken eight AP exams and earned the AP Scholar with Distinction Award two times. He has also received the National Recognition Award for outstanding academic achievement twice. Additionally, he has achieved an impressive SAT score of 1590.
Luke has participated in various activities at PHS while competitively swimming for the local club and working as a lifeguard for the city. Recently, he has joined the Youth in Stem Club, which helps teach elementary school kids about science. He also has played in school orchestras for nine years. During that time, he performed at various festivals, and even at Disneyland.
Luke’s favorite activity is swimming. He has been selected for the varsity team and the All- League Boys Swim Team, in addition to qualifying and placing at State, each year. This year, he is one of the team’s co-captains. His favorite high school memory is sophomore year at State because of the teammates and unforgettable memories.
Luke plans to attend a four-year university and major in Marine Biology. He would love to stay on the West Coast.
Keira Le
Keira Le, a child of Ky Le and Ngoc Loan Nguyen, enjoys participating in many activities at PHS. She has been a part of Key Club for a total of three years with 50+ hours in volunteer work. This year, Keira spent her first year in ASB as the Executive Activities Liaison. She helps plan events for the school as well as communal events. She played volleyball her freshman and sophomore year. One of Keira’s favorite memories at PHS is going to the sporting events. She loves cheering on the hounds and creating new memories.
Throughout the years, Keira has volunteered for the Kiwanis Club of Pullman through Key Club; her favorite events were the Pullman Egg Hunt and WSU Basketball Parking. She enjoys babysitting when she can.
Keira hopes to attend the University of Washington this fall. She plans to study pharmacy.
Happy Thanksgiving
We thank
for the opportunity to work together and for making us feel at home in our community
The Food & Shelter Folks
Help the Victims of the Larry Street Apartment Fire
On Sunday, October 5, a fire damaged multiple units of an apartment complex on Larry Street in Pullman, displacing its residents.
You can make a difference for those who have been displaced by this devastating fire. Community Action Center is working with the Red Cross and other local partners to support our neighbors in this emergency. Community Action Center is working to help with food, clothing, gift cards, deposit assistance in new housing, and more. All donations are appreciated!
Your donation will be used to help cover costs for supporting and housing the fire victims. Please go to: https:// www.cacwhitman.org/ larrystreetfirefund/ or scan the QR code to donate. Thanks for your care and your generous support of our neighbors!
Community Food FOOD PANTRY
We take food donations by appointment. Please call the front desk (509-334-9147) to make an appointment to donate food. We are requesting the following donations:
• Baby wipes
• Canned protein
• Pasta sauce
• Pasta
• Gravy
Our food bank times are by appointment. Please use our appointment scheduling web page to make an appointment. https://www.cacwhitman.org/food-bank-appointment/ or give us a call at 509-595-4141.
MONDAY Closed
Dec. Museum Closure Dates
TUESDAY Closed
WEDNESDAY 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
THURSDAY 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday, Monday, holidays, and university breaks (including Dec. 14 through Jan. 6 for a Winter Break).
FRIDAY Closed
• City, Pullman City Council Meeting | 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
• PSD, Sunnyside PTO Meeting, 6:00 p.m. at SES
• PSD, Board Work Session, 4:30 p.m. – Meeting will be held at PHS
• City, Periodic Update Public Meeting: Land Use Element Visioning | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. |
• Pullman School District Community Room
• PSD, Pullman Greyhound Booster Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• Veteran’s Day
• PSD, No School- Veteran’s Day
• City, Veterans Day | Pullman City Hall, Pullman Recreation Center, Neill Public Library, and other Pullman Administrative Offices closed. Emergency services remain available.
• Pullman Chamber General Membership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., see pg 6
• City, Pullman City Council & ASWSU Joint Meeting | 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. | City Hall Council Chambers
• PSD, Kamiak PTA Meeting, 6:00 p.m. at KES
• PSD, LMS Booster Meeting, 6:45 p.m. at LMS
• PSD, Franklin PTA Meeting, 6:00 p.m. at FES
• PSD, Jefferson PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at JES
• PSD, Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. – Meeting will be held at Pullman High School and live streamed on our YouTube Channel
• PSD, PHS Drama Presents – Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter, 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• PSD, PHS Drama Presents – Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter, 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• Pullman Depot, At the Freight Room, open 1 – 4 :00 p.m.
• PSD, PHS Boosters Annual Dinner and Auction, 5:30 p.m. – SEL Event Center
• PSD, PHS Drama Presents – Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter, 2:00 p.m. (matinee) and 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• City, Periodic Update Public Meeting: Land Use Element Visioning | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Sunnyside Elementary School
• First Down Friday, downtown Pullman, see pg 6
• PSD, PHS Drama Presents – Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter, 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• Pullman Depot, At the Freight Room, open 1 – 4 :00 p.m.
• PSD, PHS Drama Presents – Emily Brontë: Teenage Ghost Hunter, 7:00 p.m. at PHS
• City, Periodic Update Public Meeting: Land Use Element Visioning | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | St. James Canterbury Room
• Community Band of the Palouse Fall Concert, 7 p.m., Pullman High School Auditorium, free and open to all
• Pullman Depot, At the Freight Room, open 1 – 4 :00 p.m.
• Thanksgiving • City, Thanksgiving Day | Pullman City Hall, Pullman Recreation Center, Neill Public Library, and other City of Pullman Administrative Offices closed. Emergency services remain available.
PSD, No School - Thanksgiving Break, 24 th – 28 th
• City, Native American Heritage Day | Pullman City Hall, Pullman Recreation Center, Neill Public Library, and other City of Pullman Administrative Offices closed. Emergency services remain available.
• Pullman Depot, At the Freight Room, open 1 – 4 :00 p.m.
November Events at the Museum
Stop by the Brelsford WSU Visitor Center to pick up holiday fare and gifts. They have many Coug-made and -affiliated wines to choose from, several flavors of Cougar Gold Cheese, Coug-made honey and seasonings, and a large selection of Coug merchandise. They are open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
November brings two opportunities to visit the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU. On Saturday, November 8, families are invited to enjoy Story Hour & Family Friendly Activities from 10 a.m. to noon, featuring a book reading, tour, and art project for young learners and their caregivers. On November 12 and 13, the WSU Clay Club Sale will take place in the Pavilion Gallery from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can discover beautiful, handcrafted ceramics by WSU art students and faculty. Proceeds support student travel to the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts conference.
For more information, visit museum.wsu.edu/calendar.
Football Home Games
WSU Football has two remaining themed home games. They are playing Louisiana Tech for Military and Native American Appreciation on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. and Oregon State for Senior Day on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 3:30 p.m.
Prior to each home football game, the Cougar Collective is hosting Friday Happy Hour Socials from 3 to 6 p.m. Kickoff at the CUB is a tailgate event that will begin three hours prior to kickoff and will include appearances from the Cougar Marching Band. Cougar Prowl gives fans the chance to gather and rally with the team as it travels to GESA Field and will begin two hours and 40 minutes prior to kickoff at the Taylor Sports Complex.
Military and Native American Appreciation weekend will also include a Tailgate Trot 5K and 10K race across Pullman and the WSU campus.
Brelsford Holiday Fare
A Farewell from Board Member
Nathan Roberts
Board Director District 4
As I write what will be my final Community Update article, I want to take a moment to extend my deepest gratitude to the citizens of Pullman for the incredible honor of electing me—twice—to serve on the Pullman School Board. Your trust and support over the years have meant more to me than I can fully express, and I have felt a profound sense of responsibility in representing our community’s values and hopes for our schools.
Over the past eight years, we have navigated both expected challenges and unprecedented events together. From navigating global disruptions to addressing local needs, these experiences have tested and strengthened our resolve as a district and as a community. My time on the School Board has been one of the most transformative periods of my life—personally and professionally. It has shaped the way I view education, leadership, and community engagement. I hope that, in some small way, my service has also helped shape Pullman for the better.
I am incredibly proud of the many achievements our School District has accomplished during my tenure. Whether it was expanding educational opportunities, supporting student success, improving facilities, or fostering inclusivity, none of it would have been possible without the collective efforts of our dedicated educators, staff, students, families, and community members.
Though my time on the board is coming to a close, my belief in the strength and potential of Pullman’s schools remains unwavering. I’m excited to see what the future holds and will continue to cheer on the district from the sidelines, confident that the foundation we’ve built together will support continued growth, innovation, and excellence for years to come.
Thank you again for allowing me the privilege to serve.
The opinions expressed in Board Reports are those of individual school board members and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the board as a whole or of Pullman Public Schools.
FAQ ABOUT WINTER WEATHER
Turn back the clock and join us for a night to remember as we celebrate Prom at Barker’s Clubhouse and raise funds to all clubs and activities for students at PHS!
* What to wear: Come dressed in your Pullman blue or, since it is prom, break out that powder blue tux or taffeta dress from back in the day!
TO PURCHASE TICKETS OR MAKE A DONATION
SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT THE AUCTION WEBSITE
We’re grateful to all the community partners who joined us for our first Community Connections event!
Families and students connected with local organizations offering valuable resources from health services and transportation to youth programs, family support, and community engagement.
The Pullman School District Board of Directors and the Pullman School District shall provide equal educational opportunity and treatment for all students in all aspects of the academic and activities programs without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, honorably-discharged veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation (including gender expression or identity), marital status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, participation in the Boy Scouts of America or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. The district will provide equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and all other designated youth groups listed in Title 36 of the United States Code as a patriotic society. District programs will be free from sexual harassment. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, Assistant Superintendent, (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org, and Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Assistant Director of Special Services (509) 332-3144, compliancecoord@psd267.org. 240 SE Dexter Street, Pullman, WA 99163. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations in the application process by contacting the Personnel Coordinator at (509) 332-3584. Title IX inquiries may also be directed toward the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR): https:// www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/index.html. Information about the nondiscrimination and sexbased discrimination policies and grievance procedures, and how to report a concern or complaint: https://www.pullmanschools.org/hib-discrimination
Arron Carter Director, District 1 acarter@psd267.org
Lisa Waananen Jones Director, District 2 lwaananenjones@psd267.org
Craig Nelson Director, District 3 cnelson@psd267.org
Nathan Roberts Director, District 4 nroberts@psd267.org
Amanda Tanner Director, District 5 atanner@psd267.org
WHITMAN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
Lincoln Middle School
Save the date for the popular holiday event with festive music, delicious food, silent auction, and a chance to see your friends!
Tickets are $10, $5 for children 12 and under. Kids under 3 eat for free! Tickets are available at the door and online at the Pullman Kiwanis website.
The program features great music from local and school musical groups. There will also be a silent auction with items donated by Pullman businesses, organizations and Pullman Kiwanis members.
Proceeds support local programs such as food security and performing arts for local children and the community, such as Pullman Schools Food Pantry Program, Lincoln Middle School Students of the Month, and the Performing Arts Prize for Pullman high school seniors.
Learn more about this remarkable tradition, buy tickets, and find out how you can help, visit pullmankiwanis.org
The Pullman Kiwanis Club hosts fascinating programs every Thursday at Real Life Church, 1234 S. Grand Ave. We also stream meetings via Zoom.
November is Transgender Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the resilience, contributions, and diversity of the transgender community.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED:
Learn and Share: educate yourself and others about transgender experiences and issues through trusted resources, events, and discussions.
Show support: use inclusive language, amplify, transgender voices, and stand against discrimination in your community and workplace.
Engage in advocate: participate in local or virtual events, support transgender-led organizations, and advocate for policies that promote equality and safety.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Observed annually on November 20, honors the memory of transgender and gender-diverse individuals whose lives have been lost due to acts of anti-transgender violence. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the need to continue advancing equity, safety, and respect for all members of the transgender community.
No Fowl Play
CIRCLES OF CARING
110 E Canyon Colfax, WA 99111
509-332-4414
www friendsofhospice net
Friends of Hospice: Compassion in Action
Friends of Hospice is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families during the end-of-life journey. Through community partnerships and generous donations, Friends of Hospice provides resources that enhance the hospice experience, ensuring that patients receive the personal comforts they need to spend their final days with dignity
Friends of Hospice aims to fill the gaps that standard healthcare benefits may not cover by providing comfort items such as blankets, specialized pillows, nutritional shakes, personal care products and so much more that improve a patient ’s quality of life. Our organization also offers massage therapy for both patients and family caregivers, bringing moments of relaxation and relief during challenging times
Support from Friends of Hospice extends to special programs like the Threshold Choir of the Palouse, whose gentle bedside singing offers peace and comfort to patients and families, and the Living Legacy project , which helps individuals preserve their stories and memories for loved ones. Additionally, Friends of Hospice provides community grants to local nonprofits whose programs support end-of-life care and bereavement services
Friends of Hospice recognizes that the end of life touches the entire community, not just those in care. Grief support groups and outreach efforts help individuals navigate loss and healing, while community events such as Death Cafés and educational gatherings encourage open, healthy conversations about death, dying, and living fully until the end.
2025 Community Grant Recipients
Willow Center
$5,000 towards Camp Erin, a grief support camp for children
Palouse Paws
$5,000 for training pets and handlers to serve end-of-life
One More Time
$5,000 towards special experiences at end-of-life
Circles of Caring
$5,000 funding to support meals for participants
2025 Memorial Trees of Light and Remembrance Ceremony
PCCoA
$2,500 towards the Meals on Wheels Program
Pullman Regional $5 000 towards Palliative Care Training
Rural Resources
$5,000 towards grief support group, ceremonies and library
The Trees of Light Ceremony is a meaningful community event where we pause to reflect and remember those we have loved and lost. Each name submitted is lovingly placed on an ornament and displayed on the Memorial Tree, with names read aloud during the ceremony. The evening includes beautiful music from the Threshold Choir and a shared meal to follow, offering comfort and connection for all who attend. The Ceremony
Wednesday, December 3rd at 5:30 PM
Bishop Place Independent Living Social Room 815 SE Klemgard St– Pullman
Please join us for a dinner following the ceremony
Trees Displayed
December 3rd-December 31st
Whitman County Library-102 S Main Street , Colfax
Bishop Place Independent Living– 815 SE Klemgard, Pullman
To include a name please return this to: Friends of Hospice, 110 E Canyon Colfax, WA 99111 Names received by November 25, 2025 will be included.
Ornament(s) in memory of: _________________________________________________________________________________________
Please send acknowledgement to: _________________________________________________________________________________ Address:
Donated by: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Amount of Donation: ________________________________________________________________________
Please list at: ______ Pullman Remembrance ______ Colfax Remembrance ______ Both Yes, I will be in attendance at the ceremony. There will be ____ guests in my party No, I will not be in attendance this year
