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:
• Adobe Acrobat
• Artisans at the Dahmen Barn
• Banner Bank
• Better Business BureauE. WA, N. ID, MT
• Carey, Lynda
• Community Action Center
• E & S Services LLC
• FAB Consulting
• Gritman Medical Center
• Harms, Rosalie
• Hinrichs & Company, LLC
• Hinz, Sue
• HUB International Insurance
• J Craig Lester - RE/MAX Home and Land
• Johnson, Glenn
• Melinda BeasleyBeasley Realty
• Neill's Coffee & Ice Cream
• Patti Green-Kent - Coldwell Banker Tomlinson
• Presnell Gage, PLLC
NEW MEMBERS
• Cody Finch
• ICU Transports LLC
• Identity Salon
• Hills and Rivers Housing Trust
• Nick Garner
• Richard Lewis
BUSINESS
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Pullman Good Food Co-op: Building a Community-Owned Grocery Downtown
Pullman Good Food Co-op (PGFC) is a member-owned startup working to open Pullman’s first communityowned grocery store in the heart of downtown Pullman—by and for the people who live here. Founded in 2018, the Co-op’s mission is to make fresh, local, and sustainable food more accessible while strengthening our regional food economy and supporting local farmers and producers.
After a thoughtful reassessment of its business plan, PGFC recently announced plans for its future home at Muse on Main, 455 E. Main Street. The Co-op has signed a letter of intent for a 4,000-square-foot space designed to start strong and scale sustainably. The downtown location will feature a full-service grocery experience—produce, meats, dairy, dry goods, prepared foods, and online ordering with in-store pickup— all within walking distance of Main Street shops and restaurants.
The new location represents an exciting step toward PGFC’s long-term vision of a thriving, community-centered food hub that supports local producers and contributes to downtown revitalization.
To bring this vision to life, PGFC has launched a capital campaign to fund interior construction, equipment, and startup costs through member equity, community loans, donations, and grants. A special annual meeting on December 5 will celebrate the new location and kick off fundraising efforts.
Learn more, join as a member-owner, or RSVP for the Dec. 5 event at www.pullmangoodfoodcoop.com.
Alpine Animal H
Students of the Month
Rory Cowan
Rory Cowan, daughter of Rachel and Ben Cowan, has maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking numerous AP and honors classes. She’s balanced academics with several extracurricular activities, including the PHS cross country team, where she was a captain her senior year, and the PHS advanced ensemble choir, which she has participated in for all four years of high school. Rory also has been very involved with her church’s youth planning committee for multiple summer camps and activities.
Over the summer, Rory worked at Parks & Rec as a camp counselor for their summer camp program. Through this experience, as well as an early childhood education class at the high school, she developed a passion for working with preschool-age children and hopes to continue that in her future.
After graduation, Rory plans to attend BYU and study early childhood education.
Vivien Lin
Vivien Lin, daughter of Yuehe Lin and Annie Du, has demonstrated exceptional academic excellence at Pullman High School and beyond, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while completing the school’s most rigorous curriculum. She has taken 10 AP exams, earning the AP Scholar with Distinction Award twice, and has received national recognition as both a National Merit Semifinalist and a silver medalist in the National French Contest. This past summer, she completed a biomedical engineering internship at Washington State University, where she helped design 3D-printed heart models for surgical applications and was honored as a co-author on a peer-reviewed research publication.
Beyond academics, Vivien is a four-year varsity swimmer and co-captain of the PHS Girls Swim Team, contributing to the team’s win of WIAA Academic State Champions her sophomore year. She also performs with the PHS Orchestra, including a memorable trip to Disneyland, reestablished Jefferson Elementary School’s Chess Club, serves as treasurer for Youth in STEM and represents her community statewide through the Washington Youth Alliance.
Vivien plans to study biomedical engineering at a four-year university, with aspirations of pursuing dermatology in medical school.
December 13 Programs at the Art Museum
Bring your friends and family for a day of art activities and a tour. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU will kick the day off with a children’s book reading at 10 a.m., followed by a tour and hands-on art activity designed for K–5 learners and their caregivers. Additionally, visitors can join Rochelle Smith from noon to 1 p.m. for a quilter’s perspective on select works in the current exhibitions,
Make Your Holidays Brighter
Holiday Gift Baskets
It’s the holiday season. The Brelsford Vistor Center has some beautiful gift baskets already put together that you can choose from, or they can customize a gift basket for you. Call or email with any questions or to order ahead (payment must be in person). You can reach them at visitor@wsu. edu or 509-335-4636.
including "Color Outside the Lines," which showcases textile works using quilting and appliqué techniques by artists Faith Ringgold and Christopher Myers.
For more information, please visit museum.wsu.edu/ calendar
A Holiday in Harmony
WSU Choral Ensembles, Jazz Big Band, Wind Ensemble, and selected student chamber ensembles will perform on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. in Bryan Hall Theatre. There will also be a silent auction for Colfax Golf Club packages, gift cards to local shops and restaurants, yoga classes, handcrafted goods, and more. All proceeds support music student scholarships. The online auction runs until Saturday, Dec. 6, when the in-person auction will happen.
Fall Commencement
The University-wide commencement ceremony for Fall 2025 bachelor, master, and doctoral candidates will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Beasley Coliseum. The ceremony lasts about two hours and culminates with student recognitions and the turning of tassels. The event is nonticketed, and graduates may invite an unlimited number of guests.
For more information, please visit commencement.wsu. edu/.
Community Connections Shine Amanda Tanner, Board Director District 5
Families, students, and community organizations came together for a vibrant evening of connection and support at the District’s First Community Connections Event, held at Jefferson Elementary on October 2, 2025 from 6:00-7:30pm. The event aimed to provide resources and build relationships for families and children in the district and offered support for students on IEPs or 504 plans.
A total of 15 organizations and groups participated, including a representative from Washington State University’s ROAR program, which offers inclusive postsecondary education opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Families had the chance to engage directly with resource providers and learn about services available in the region.
One of the evening’s highlights was the Connection Passport activity, which encouraged families to visit various booths. Eleven families completed the passport and were entered into a raffle for a $25 Amazon gift card. Organizers noted that attendance was higher than the number of completed passports, but the event’s open-house format made it difficult to track exact numbers.
CHAS Health provided on-site flu vaccinations and went above and beyond by staying past the scheduled 7:30 p.m. end time to ensure every family who needed a shot received one. Their team remained until 8 p.m., demonstrating a strong commitment to community wellness.
Palouse EDJE added an interactive element to the evening, sparking thoughtful conversations through engaging activities. Student leaders from Pullman High School also played a role, with members of the AAPI Club, Key Club, and ASB in attendance to represent student voices and support the event.
Staff from Jefferson Elementary were instrumental in welcoming
families and guiding them through the event, helping create a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
The Community Connections Event was a testament to the power of collaboration, showcasing how schools, health providers, nonprofits, and students can work together to support families and build a stronger community.
We are incredibly grateful to all the community partners who joined us for our inaugural Community Connections event. Your presence and support helped make this gathering a meaningful step toward deeper collaboration and shared purpose.
Looking ahead, we hope to host this event twice a year, continuing to provide valuable resources for our families and students, strengthen community engagement, and foster an environment where everyone feels welcome and truly belongs.
A special shout-out to the district’s DEIB Task Force for their vision, dedication, and leadership in organizing this incredible event. Your commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging is helping shape a more connected and compassionate community. Pullman Public Schools will continue to be dedicated in providing students with the highest quality education in a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Thank You for Making Our First Community Connections Event a Success!
The opinions expressed in Board Reports are those of individual school board members and donot necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the board as a whole or of Pullman Public Schools.
U.S. News & World Report Best Schools Rankings Pullman
Public Schools
• Ranked #269 in Washington Elementary Schools
Kamiak Elementary:
• Ranked #3-4 in Pullman School District
• Ranked #291 in Washington Elementary Schools
BEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
Lincoln Middle School:
• Ranked #54 in Washington Middle Schools
BEST HIGH SCHOOL
Pullman High School earned high National and metro-area rankings in 2025-2026 Best High Schools. Pullman High School was ranked #22 in Washington State, and #1,415 in the nation by U.S. World News.
These recognitions are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and collaboration of our students, staff, families, and the entire Pullman community. Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to excellence in education!
District! All four of our elementary schools earned a Best Elementary Schools award, Lincoln Middle School earned a Best Middle Schools award, and Pullman High School earned a Best High School Award because they place among the top 40% in the state.
Pullman Public Schools
The elementary and middle schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school.
High schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college.
BEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Franklin Elementary:
• Ranked #1 in Pullman School District
• Ranked #80 in Washington Elementary Schools
U.S. News & World Report Best Schools Rankings
The U.S. News & World Report published their 2026 Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Schools rankings along with the 2025-2026 Best High School ranki ngs, and the news is great for Pullman School District! All four of our elementary schools earned a Best Elementary Schools award, Lincoln Middle School earned a Best Middle Schools award, and Pullman High School earned a Best High School Award because they place among the top 40% in the state.
Jefferson Elementary:
• Ranked #2 in Pullman School District
• Ranked #203 in Washington Elementary Schools
The elementary and middle schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare their students for high school.
Sunnyside Elementary:
• Ranked #3-4 in Pullman School District
High schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college.
PULLMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
Fostering Belonging and Connection at Pullman High School Jerrod
Dear Pullman Community,
Fleury, Pullman High School Principal
Writing to you as the principal of Pullman High School is an honor. My family's decision to move to Pullman was rooted in the strong reputation of Pullman Public Schools and a thriving community that believes in all students. As I begin this phase of my career, it is important to know that my core beliefs are centered around the importance of connection, service, and growth. These core beliefs are what our theme, Because You Matter, is built around, a simple yet powerful message that everyone matters.
At its heart, Because You Matter is more than a theme. It's about building a school wide culture in which every student, staff and family feels seen, valued and connected. I am strongly committed to the academic process and learning of students. Research supports that building a culture of connection ties directly into academic success “Students who feel like valued members of their school community show stronger commitment to learning and higher academic outcomes.” For this reason, the connection is the foundation that we want to create. A connected school builds trust, between students and teachers, between peers, and between home and school. That trust becomes the fuel for growth, resilience, and empathy. Every small act, a greeting in the hallway, a conversation during class, a simple check-in reminds students that they matter.
Congratulations to the Pullman
Congratulations to the Pullman School District Board of Directors!
Our theme is not just a slogan on the wall. We are putting our belief of “Because You Matter” into action. We are working with student and parent groups to create opportunities to listen and learn how we can grow as a community. These groups create a sense of shared leadership and give students and families a voice. We are also preparing for our first annual Because You Matter - Culture Summit. The summit will bring PHS students together and provide them with skills, knowledge and influence to lead and serve all students to create a culture of belonging.
I know that building a culture of kindness and connection will take time, consistency, and support.
Every person in our school community has a part to play in creating this culture. Whether it is a student who reaches out to a classmate sitting alone, a teacher who checks in after class, or a parent who volunteers their time to support an event, every act of kindness, every small moment of connection, moves us closer to being a school where everyone truly knows they matter.
Thank you for this opportunity to serve the students and community of Pullman High School. I am excited for all we will accomplish together in the future.
Are you familiar with Pullman School District’s inclement weather procedures?
You can find school closure/ delay protocols, a winter weather FAQ, and safety tips on our district website at the URL address below. https://www.pullmanschools.org/ inclement‐weather
exemplary leadership in improving student outcomes, particularly through long-term, strategic efforts aligned with the Washington School Board Standards. The award committee highlighted our Board’s datadriven focus on equity, particularly their work to close the achievement gap for low-income students. Through regular data reviews, our Board identified areas for improvement, established districtwide priorities, and took measurable action — including embedding intervention time through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), refining data metrics to track chronic absenteeism, and investing in tools for real-time student progress monitoring.
We are proud to share that the Pullman School District Board of Directors has been recognized as a 2025 Board of Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA)!
This prestigious honor celebrates school boards that demonstrate exemplary leadership in improving student outcomes, particularly through long-term, strategic efforts aligned with the Washington School Board Standards. The award committee highlighted our Board’s data-driven focus on equity, particularly their work to close the achievement gap for low-income students. Through regular data reviews, our Board identified areas for improvement, established districtwide priorities, and took measurable action —including embedding intervention time through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), refining data metrics to track chronic absenteeism, and investing in tools for real-time student progress monitoring.
Our Board was honored alongside other Boards of Distinction at the WSSDA Annual Conference
Our Board was honored alongside other Boards of Distinction at the WSSDA Annual Conference during the President’s Dinner on Thursday, November 20th, in Seattle.
This honor reflects the dedication of our entire Pullman Schools community. We are deeply grateful for the support and engagement of our staff, families, and community members — and extend our heartfelt appreciation to our Board of Directors for their continued leadership and service to our students and schools.
Please join us in congratulating our Board of Directors for this welldeserved recognition!
To learn more about WSSDA's Board of Distinction Program, visit: https://wssda.org/member-services/recognition/boards-of-distinction/
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
Are you familiar with Pullman School District’s inclement weather procedures? You can find school closure/delay protocols, a winter weather FAQ, and safety tips on our district website at the URL address below. https://www.pullmanschools.org/inclement‐weather 1
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
Deena Bayoumi Director, District 4 dbayoumi@psd267.org
Stephanie Horn Director, District 5 shorn@psd267.org
S eason’s Greetings
STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE SFCC PULLMAN CENTER 25 TH ANNIVERSARY
Jim Mohr has spent over 25 years in Student Affairs, starting as a Residence Director at Marymount Manhattan College and growing through roles at the University of Alaska Anchorage, Eastern Washington University, Spokane Colleges, Olympic College, and Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane. He now serves as the Acting Vice President of Student Affairs at Spokane Falls Community College. Jim is passionate about creating spaces where people feel they belong and can thrive. Active in the Spokane community, he’s served on boards including Priority Spokane, the Blue Door Theatre, and the NAACP, and has worked with Gonzaga University’s Center for the Study of Hate.
What comes to your mind regarding the 25th anniversary of our Center's services on the Palouse?
When I think about the Pullman Center's 25th anniversary, I can't help but smile. It's amazing to see how much the Center has grown and how many lives it's touched over the years. I believe the Pullman Center captures the spirit of what community colleges do best in creating access, building relationships, and helping people find their path forward.
What are your connections to the community college?
I first connected with the Pullman Center back in 2006, when I worked for the Community Colleges of Spokane's Institute for Extended Learning. At the time, the Center was at the Gladish Community Center, and even though I was based in Spokane, I worked closely with several faculty and staff, including Roger Hayes, Dyan Bledsoe, Joal Lee, and others, as well as the Pullman Student Government. Together, we planned events, brought in speakers, and worked to ensure students felt seen and supported. Those experiences showed me how much a small but
dedicated center could do to create a real sense of belonging.
A lot has changed since those early days. We're now Spokane Colleges, the Institute for Extended Learning has merged with SFCC and SCC, and the Pullman Center has found a new home on the WSU campus. Wow!
What do you value about the community college?
What I love about community colleges is how they meet people where they are. They open doors that might not seem possible and help students discover what's next, whether that's transferring to a university, finding a new career, or building confidence. That mission of access, equity, and opportunity is what's always drawn me to this work. What do you wish more people knew about the Pullman Center?
I wish more people knew how much the Pullman Center contributes to the vitality of the Palouse region. It's a local hub that brings education, partnerships, workforce development, and resources to the Palouse. I find that it connects the mission of Spokane Colleges to life in a uniquely regional way.
What do you hope the Pullman Center will look like in 5 to 10 years?
Looking ahead, I hope the Pullman Center continues to expand its impact by offering even more programs that respond to the community's needs, building deeper partnerships, and remaining that welcoming, transformative space that helps people pursue their educational and career goals. Here's to the next 25 years!
News & Updates
Learn on Your Terms. Your schedule is unique. Your classes should be too! At the Pullman Center, we know life is busy. That is why we offer flexible options designed to fit your life, not the other way around. In-Class: Hands-on, on campus.. Online: Anywhere, anytime. Flex: On-campus and online. Ready to start? Scan the QR code to begin your journey.
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. Sign up now for Winter Quarter!
The Pullman Center is hiring! We are inviting applications for an adjunct instructor in physical education, Mondays and Wednesdays, 1:10 PM-2:00 PM, January 5 – March 25, 2026. Apply now at: bit.ly/pullman_employment
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
Tickets are $10 for adults or $5 for children 3-12 (kids under 3 eat free!)
You can buy tickets online, at the door, or from a Kiwanis member.
Proceeds support many local Pullman Kiwanis service projects to help kids and the community.
Learn more about the event, buy tickets, and donate at pullmankiwanis.org
Join us at the Pullman Kiwanis 67th Annual
Pancake Breakfast and Music Fest
A fantastic way to kick off the holidays! The Pullman Kiwanis Breakfast and Music Fest is a community tradition, and we hope to see you there!
As always, the event is the first Saturday in December, with a delicious breakfast, music from local students and musicians, and a silent auction.
December 6, 2025 7-11 a.m.
Lincoln Middle School
• PSD, Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at LMS, 7:00 a.m.-11:00. a.m.
• Pullman Depot, At the Freight Room, open 1
4:00 p.m.
• Pullman Chamber, Holiday Fest and Tree Lighting, 5 p.m., see pg 3
• PSD, LMS Orchestras Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. at LMS
• PSD, Board Work Session, 5:00 p.m. Meeting will be held at District Office
• Pullman Depot, At the Freight Room, open 1 –4:00 p.m.
• Palouse Choral Society, And On Earth Peace, Simpson United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m., palousechoralsociety.org
• Community Band of the Palouse Winter Concert, Pullman High School, 7 p.m.
• PSD, LMS Bands Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. at LMS
• Palouse Choral Society, And On Earth Peace, Simpson United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m., palousechoralsociety.org
• PSD, Regular Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Meeting will be held at Pullman High School and live streamed on our YouTube Channel
• Pullman Chamber, Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m., see pg 3
• PSD, Pullman High School Holiday Instrumental Concert, 7:00 p.m. at PHS
Christmas Day • Pullman Recreation Center and Neill Public Library are closed • Pullman City Hall, Pullman Recreation Center, Neill Public Library, and other City of Pullman Administrative Offices closed. Emergency services remain available.
LIVING FAITH FELLOWSHIP
PULLMAN REGIONAL HOSPITAL
Keeping your kiddos healthy is always tricky, especially during winter, when viruses tend to be more prevalent. That's why Dr. Jonathan Lee, a pediatrician at Palouse Pediatrics, has provided some tips to keep your children happy and healthy this winter season!
Practice Hygiene
Did you know it's not the cold weather that triggers the coughs and sniffles? Most of the time, we get sick because we're getting much less fresh air and breathing more circulated air in closed environments. To catch a cold, you need to be exposed to a virus.
"All of us should keep up healthy hygiene practices. Encourage children to wash their hands regularly and often, especially before eating or touching their face. If they are sick, keep them home from school or childcare and have them see a doctor. If they are around people who are sick, it's a good idea for them to wear a mask to help prevent them from getting sick."
Watch for Symptoms!
With so many different illnesses going around, it's always good to watch for symptoms. Learning to recognize common winter illnesses can make it easier to care for your child when they're sick.
"Watch for fevers that last multiple days or any difficulty breathing. That can include prolonged periods of fast breathing when they're calm, needing to use extra muscles in their neck, belly, or rib cage to breathe, or audible sounds like wheezing."
Utilize At-home Remedies
When your kids are sick, the only thing on your mind is to make them comfortable and help them get through it. Sometimes, that means getting their doctor involved; sometimes, it can mean doing things at home to reduce their symptoms.
"The remedies for cough in younger children are limited. At home, you can use a humidifier in the room and give honey and warm fluids to children over one year old. If your child has a cough that lasts longer than a week, you should bring them to the doctor."
Continue to Test for COVID-19
While RSV and influenza become much more common during the winter, it's important to remember that COVID-19 is still prevalent.
"We should keep doing what we can to keep our communities healthy by testing for COVID-19. If your child is displaying any symptoms of COVID-19, they should stay home from school. If they have a negative test and their illness symptoms improve, they may return to school. I recommend having them wear a mask to protect their friends as long as they have sick symptoms."
COVID testing is available by appointment only for established patients, and patients must have reason to be tested (i.e. exposure or symptomatic) at Palouse Pediatrics. Patients (or their parents) should call the office to schedule an appointment before arriving for a COVID test. Other options for testing may include purchasing an over-the-counter test, or testing may be available through your Primary Care Provider if you're not established at Palouse Pediatrics.
Be alert!
It's easy to get caught up in keeping your child healthy, but it's equally important for parents to remain healthy. It's very easy for mom or dad to pass on a virus or a bug to one of their kiddos.
"Anyone can catch RSV, including older children. Usually, symptoms in school-aged children are milder, and they will not need to be hospitalized. Newborns and infants are the most at risk, and children up to 5 to 6 years old are more likely to have severe symptoms."
Dr. Lee and all of our staff at Palouse Pediatrics are here to help get your kids back on their feet and feeling better when they need it. While our office hours vary during the holiday season, our offices in Pullman and Moscow are open. Our on-call pediatrician is available 24/7 for any after-hour emergencies.
Pullman Regional Hospital has named Dr. Kimberley Guida, Family Medicine Physician at Pullman Family Medicine, the 2025 Physician Excellence Award winner.
Dr. Guida has provided compassionate, high-quality care to patients in the region for more than two decades. She was nominated by several colleagues for the annual honor and selected from a pool of seven nominees.
Colleagues describe Dr. Guida as “a leader who creates an environment of teamwork and collaboration by encouraging and supporting her colleagues to be their best selves.” Others noted that “she listens without judgment, demonstrates mutual respect and trust, and leads by example.” Additional comments on her nomination forms highlighted her mentorship and support of others, particularly during times of burnout or challenge.
One colleague shared, “She is the type of leader I would follow even without a title or formal position.” Another recalled a patient encounter with someone who spoke about Dr. Guida delivering her baby 22 years ago and still speaks very highly of the care she received.
Other physicians nominated for the 2025 award include
Dr. Brad Capawana (Pullman Foot and Ankle), Dr. Methuel Gordon (Palouse Pediatrics), Dr. Katie Hryniewicz (Palouse Pediatrics), Dr. Kumar (Pullman Regional Hospitalist), Dr. Kassie Tricola (Palouse Medical), Dr. John Visger (Pullman Surgery and Gastronenterology), and Jennifer Davis, PA (Palouse Health Center and Pullman Family Medicine), who also received a heartfelt nomination.
About the Physician Excellence Award
The Physician Excellence Award was developed in 2003 to acknowledge outstanding physicians at Pullman Regional Hospital and its network of clinics. This annual award recognizes those doctors who are committed to improving the quality of healthcare in our community.
Pullman
The Food & Shelter Folks
A Note of Thanks
As you know, recent threats to SNAP food assistance for our neighbors has raised fear and anxiety when having enough to eat is often already a challenge.
Without being asked, community members and service groups have generously put informal food drives together, supplying over 10,000 pounds of food to the food bank in October and November!
Additionally, many of you looked for ways to help your neighbors during these difficult times. As a result, many have made donations to Community Action Center to help keep the Community Food Bank shelves full—even at a time when there were increased visits to receive food.
As we get closer to the holidays, we are grateful for this ongoing and generous community support! If you would like to help, contact foodbank@cacwhitman.org to organize a food drive. To make a gift, come visit us and write a check, or mail one to CAC, or use the QR code to use a credit card. As a business, you can join the “Great Food Fight on the Palouse” recently started!
It’s a humbling experience to see so many of you give sacrificially so neighbors don’t go hungry. Your selflessness is deeply appreciated by the Community Action Center Board, staff and me!
With deepest thanks, and in community, Jeff Guyett, Executive Director
The Great Food Fight
The bell has rung! It’s time for The Great Food Fight on the Palouse! Businesses across Whitman County and beyond are stepping into the ring for a friendly, high-impact food drive competition to support CAC’s Community Food Bank.
Dates to know:
• Business Registration: Nov 12–19
• Donation Collection: Nov 19–Dec 10
Every pound of food collected helps feed families right here at home, including the hundreds of local children who rely on our food bank each month.
The business that collects the most pounds of food will be crowned The Great Food Fight Champion!
Join the fight today: https://forms.office.com/r/xFATSUhKHu
After registering, businesses and organizations will receive an information packet and social media templates they can use to advertise their involvement! Together, we can make sure no one in our community faces hunger this holiday season.
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:
• Flour
• Pancake/Waffle mix
• Syrup/Jam/Honey
• Canned Protein (chicken or fish)
• Canned veggies and fruits
• Oil, sugar, vanilla extract
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
Pullman Community Council on Aging
A legacy of caring for Pullman
Our Volunteer Crew: The Trunk That Holds Us Up!
A Christmas tree needs a strong trunk to stand tall, and we have the best one around! To our incredible volunteers: thank you for being our core strength this year. Your hard work has been the essential support that allows our mission to flourish and reach for the stars. We are so grateful for every hour you gave, and every life you touched.
Help Us Finish Decorating Our Tree!
This holiday season, we're celebrating the community we've built together. But just like this tree, our work isn't quite finished. Each donation is like a cherished ornament, a spark of hope, a symbol of care, and a vital part of making our community whole. Your gift will help us continue to serve Pullman seniors. Let's come together to make this tree, and our mission, shine brightly by the end of the year.
PO Box 1123 Pullman WA 99161 www.pullmanccoa.org
Pullman’s Past Comes Alive
PULLMAN DEPOT HERITAGE CENTER NEWS & NOTES
Highlights of 2025
In front of a giant wooden exoskeleton, volunteers
Celebrating Together with Our Community –The Depot is Pullman’s best place to learn about local history each Saturday afternoon. Special events like our annual vintage quilt show, holiday market, and Depot Days attract people of all ages. And our ongoing evening speaker series Palouse People and BookTalk, continue to inform and delight.
Events – Palouse People series (WSC Nespelem Art Colony, Quilt makers, Fallen Cougars, Historic Preservation Commission), Depot Days, Tea Party Displays - native plants, Veterans Day, WSC students, apple harvest, train horns, vintage tea cups, vintage dolls, paintings from WSC Nespelem Art Colony, downtown Pullman Partnerships - Lentil Festival 5k, Pullman Chamber Walk of Fame inductions, WSU CCE - Days of Service Participant
Fundraising Progress – Fundraising – An additional $25,000 is needed to meet our goal of raising $225,000 to restore the passenger coach and caboose.
We are very grateful for generous grants from: Port of Whitman County - $35,000; Avista Foundation - $5,000; National Railway Historical Society $5,000; Amherst Rail Society - $1,000 Looking ahead to next year, we are planning to begin interior restoration. In 2026, watch for announcements about special giving opportunities.
Pocket Palouse Prairie project – The Depot’s first-ever tea party fundraiser and an exciting collaborative grant from the Addium-METER Foundation are advancing our goal of restoring native Palouse Prairie plants to the heritage center.
Train Car Holiday Bazaar 1st three Saturdays in December
Event rental space available contact us at pullmandepot.facilities@gmail.com
A Building for the Future
In July, Roach Construction dug trenches on both sides of the building, installing six inch drain lines and a new catch basin to filter surface water. The building’s gutter system is fully functioning for the first time in decades.
Digging continued with the installation of underground conduits that will hold current and future utilities including electrical, communication, and HVAC. Avista provided a new power pole along Kamiaken Street and installed an upgraded transformer that will provide higher-efficiency power to support the building’s future needs. As a bonus, the visual clutter of wires and meters on the north side of the building will be cleaned up. Electrical Contractors NW is the lead on the project, which has been made possible thanks to a very generous donation.
This year’s theme supported the Rolling Stock Restoration project, which will strip old paint, make necessary repairs, replace windows, and repaint both cars. The cars were tented for months, but as cold weather approached, the covering around the cars was sealed and Pettitt Construction kindly donated their crew to stretch large tarps over the top. Major work will continue in the springtime.
Thank you to all who support and sustain the Pullman Depot Heritage Center by attending events, volunteering time, and contributing donations to help with the ongoing restoration.
2025 was a great year, thanks to you!
CONSIDER MAKING A GIFT TODAY Contributions
US AT facebook.com/PullmanDepot instagram.com/pullmandepot/
GIVE ONLINE pullmandepot.org
DONATION QUESTIONS? Contact Linda Hackbarth lindahackbarth39@gmail.com or Debbie Sherman jdjsherman@msn.com
In July, a paint testing area atop the passenger car shows what new paint will look like.
Volunteers Kelly McGee, Jamie Whitman, and Jenny Carlson don vintage aprons for PDHC’s first tea party in October.
Presenters Kyley Canion-Brewer, Ray Sun, Cassie Chrisman, and Trevor Bond pose before a Palouse People presentation on WSU’s Fallen Cougars project in May.
Ken Casavant and Debbie Sherman welcome visitors at Depot Days in August.
