PCU_12_25

DECEMBER 2025

Pullman Community Update 1

Pullman Community Update

VOL. 30 | NO. 12 DECEMBER 2025

PULLMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

BUSINESS MEMBER OF THE MONTH

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 Bureau E. 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 Beasley Beasley 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

Pullman Good Food Co-op PO Box 622 Pullman, WA 99163 hello@pullmangoodfoodcoop.com pullmangoodfoodcoop.com 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.

In This Issue: Pullman Chamber of Commerce

1-3

Washington State University

5

Pullman School District

6-7

City of Pullman

9

Community Colleges of Spokane

10

Kiwanis Club of Pullman

11

Circles of Caring

11

Community Calendar

12-13

Living Faith Fellowship

14

Whitman County Humane Society

14

United Way

15

Pullman Regional Hospital

16-17

Community Action Center

18

Whitman County Public Health

19

Pullman Community Council on Aging

20

Pullman Depot

21

Family Promise

22

PULLMAN Community Update ccooperpullman@gmail.

DECEMBER 2025

2 Pullman Community Update

Alpine Animal Hospital Where quality, compassionate care is our top priority.

Wishing You and

Your Family A

Happy

Thanksgiving!

We are grateful for our patients, clients, doctors, staff, and local community.

Ashley Nichols, D.V.M. • Jennifer Ronngren, D.V.M. Francesca Corcoran, D.V.M. • Paloma Beyer, D.V.M. Bernadette Barrett, D.V.M.

VALUES, PUTTING YOU FIRST AND FOREMOST VISION, TOWARD YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE. (509) 332-2543

205 E. MAIN ST. 509.332.2543 Always PULLMAN, WA www.yourvaluesourvision.com Spectacular Hidden View Homes!

Located on the Pullman-Moscow Hwy. accepting 205 E Main St. Pullman, WA WWW.YOURVALUESOURVISION.COM new 509-332-6575 www.alpineanimalhospital.com • Like us on Facebook patients Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Values&Vision|Cornerstone Wealth Strategies is not registered as a broker-dealer or 11/22 investment advisor. Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.

Sunnyside Hill Delight!

1330 SW Wadleigh DR

$435,000

MLS # 288617

3BR/2BA Updated Kitchen Well Maintained Tri-Level Fresh Paint, LVP Flooring & New Carpets Bright Spacious Living Room w/Vaulted Ceiling Entertainment Sun Deck & Fenced Back Yard

Mick Nazerali Managing Broker, 2024 President’s Premier (206) 794-7860

405 S Grand Ave • Pullman www.PullmanProperties.com

DECEMBER 2025

PULLMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Pullman Community Update 3

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.

Pullman Chamber and Visitor Center • 415 N. Grand Ave. • Pullman, WA 99163 509-334-3565 • Fax: 509-332-3232 • chamber@pullmanchamber.com • www.pullmanchamber.com Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Staff: Executive Director: Pete Chittenden, Communications Coordinator: Madeline Maxwell, Business Manager: Tim Braun, Tourism Promotions Manager: JJ Martin

DECEMBER 2025

4 Pullman Community Update

Experience. Compassion. Results.

We are ProFormance Physical Therapy Our services include but are not limited to: *Back & neck pain/orthopedic spinal injuries *Postsurgical rehabilitation *Complete care for seniors *Sports injuries & performance enhancement *Auto & work injuries *Aquatic therapy *Functional & neurological rehabilitation *Custom orthotics *Incontinence/pelvic disorder *Vestibular rehabilitation

Call us today to get started! (509) 338-9204

1225 South Grand Avenue, Suite B at the South Centre Building • Pullman

www.ProFormancePhysicalTherapy.com Troy Vannucci, MPT, CEEAA • Laura Nakata Vannucci, MPT • Brandon Cridlebaugh, DPT Sean Knight, MPT, CSCS • Cheryl Lynn Rudd, PT, DPT, BCB-PMD Edgardo Peña, BS, MS, USAW1, AIT

Open M-Thu 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., Fri 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Helene’s Property Place, LLC

225 NE Olsen Pullman, WA 99163

www.helenespropertyplace.com

Helene’s passion is helping people achieve their dreams whether it is buying and selling investment property, moving into a new home or selling a property!

working for you knight and day!

Helene Hopkins

Designated Broker Office: 509.338.9008 Fax: 509.338.3417 Email: helene@helenespropertyplace.com

DECEMBER 2025

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

Pullman Community Update 5

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,

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

Make Your Holidays Brighter

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.

Sizes and contents vary.

Hurry in—while supplies last.

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 Holiday Gift Baskets ceremony lasts about two hours and culminates with student It’s the holiday season. The Brelsford Vistor Center has recognitions and the turning of tassels. The event is nonsome beautiful gift baskets already put together that you can ticketed, and graduates may invite an unlimited number of choose from, or they can customize a gift basket for you. guests.

Call or email with any questions or to order ahead (payment must be in person). You can reach them at visitor@wsu. For more information, please visit commencement.wsu. edu or 509-335-4636. edu/.

150 E. Spring Street, Pullman, WA 99164 visitor.wsu.edu (509) 335-4636 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

6 Pullman Community Update

PULLMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

DECEMBER 2025

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!

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 rankings, 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.

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, The U.S. World Report their 2026 Best Elementary Schools and Best Middle Sch graduation andNews how well& they prepare students for published college.

BEST ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS rankings along with the 2025-2026 Best High School rankings, and the news is great for Pullman Sc Franklin Elementary: District!

All four of our elementary schools earned a Best Elementary Schools award, Lincoln Midd • Ranked #1 in Pullman School District School earned a Best Middle Schools award, and Pullman High School earned a Best High School A • Ranked #80 in Washington Elementary Schools because they place among the top 40% in the state.

Jefferson Elementary: • Ranked #2 in Pullman School District The elementary and middle schools • Ranked #203 in Washington Elementary Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduati and how Elementary: well they prepare their students for high school.

Sunnyside • Ranked #3-4 in Pullman School District

Schools Rankings

U.S. News & World Report Be

Pullman Public Schools

High schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation and how well they prepare students for college.

DECEMBER 2025

PULLMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pullman Community Update 7

Fostering Belonging and Connection at Pullman High School Jerrod Fleury, Pullman High School Principal

Dear Pullman Community, 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.

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

Congratulations to the Pullman School District Board of Directors!

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

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 effortsSchool aligned with Board the Washington Congratulations to the Pullman District of Directors!School Board Standards. The award committee highlighted our Board’s dataWe are proudfocus to shareon thatequity, the Pullman School District Board of Directors been recognized as a driven particularly their work to closehasthe achievement 2025gap Board Distinction by the Washington State School Directors’ forof low-income students.

Through regular dataAssociation reviews,(WSSDA)! our Board areas for improvement, districtwide Thisidentified prestigious honor celebrates school boards that established demonstrate exemplary leadershippriorities, in improving student particularly through long-term, strategic efforts aligned with the Washington andoutcomes, took measurable action — including embedding intervention time School Board Standards. The award committee highlighted our Board’s data-driven focus on equity, through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), refining data particularly their work to close the achievement gap for low-income students. Through regular data metrics to track chronic absenteeism, and investing in tools for real-time reviews, our Board identified areas for improvement, established districtwide priorities, and took measurable action — including embedding intervention time through Professional Learning student progress monitoring.

Communities (PLCs), refining data metrics to track chronic absenteeism, and investing in tools for Our Board wasmonitoring. honored alongside other Boards of Distinction at the real-time student progress WSSDA Annual Conference during the President’s Dinner on Thursday, Our Board was honored alongside other Boards of Distinction at the WSSDA Annual Conference November 20th, in Seattle.

This honor reflects the dedication of our entire Pullman Schools community. We are deeply grateful1 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

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

DECEMBER 2025

8 Pullman Community Update

Season’s Greetings During this holiday season, we wish you all the best.

Greg Bloom Professional Mall II 1260 S E Bishop Blvd Ste C Pullman, WA 99163 509-332-1564 Ryan Hamilton 650 SE Bishop Blvd., Ste 130 509-339-7090 Dennis Logan 650 SE Bishop Blvd., Ste 130 509-339-7090

B1_PullmanCommUpdate_CommAd M1_2025.indd 1

4/1/25 2:13 PM

DECEMBER 2025

CITY OF PULLMAN

Pullman Community Update 9

10 Pullman Community Update

COMMUNITY COLLEGES OF SPOKANE

DECEMBER 2025

STEP INTO YOUR FUTURE

SFCC PULLMAN CENTER 25 TH ANNIVERSARY

J

im 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

News & Updates

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!

� 185 Veterans Way, Pullman WA, 99164 – just east of WSU’s Daggy Hall � pullman@sfcc.spokane.edu Phone 509.322.2706 globe pullman.sfcc.spokane.edu @SFCCPullman Spokane Colleges does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, pregnancy and related conditions, or age in its programs, activities or employment. Marketing & Public Relations 11/2025 25-0380 ER

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

DECEMBER 2025

KIWANIS CLUB OF PULLMAN

Pullman Community Update 11

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!

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.

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

Learn more about the event, buy tickets, and donate at pullmankiwanis.org CIRCLES OF CARING

7

Sunday

8

1

• Pullman Chamber, Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m., see pg 3

9

• PSD, Sunnyside PTO Meeting, 6:00 p.m. at SES

2

Tuesday

Design by Jeni Grace This publication will not knowingly accept any advertisement which is in violation of the law. The content of advertisements is the responsibility of the advertiser.

For advertising opportunities, contact Carol Cooper at ccooperpullman@gmail.com 509-592-3931

• Pullman School District. 332-3581 • Washington State University, 335-7628

Monday

Opinions are those of individual entities. Questions may be directed to: • City of Pullman, 338-3208 • Chamber of Commerce, 334-3565 • Pullman Regional Hospital, 332-2541

The Pullman Community UPDATE is published monthly by: City of Pullman Pullman Chamber of Commerce Pullman Regional Hospital Pullman School District Washington State University

4

Thursday

11

• PSD, Regular Board • PSD, LMS Bands Holiday Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Concert, 7:30 p.m. at Meeting will be held at LMS Pullman High School and live streamed on our YouTube Channel • PSD, Pullman High School Holiday Instrumental Concert, 7:00 p.m. at PHS

10

• PSD, Board Work Session, • PSD, LMS Orchestras 5:00 p.m. Meeting will Holiday Concert, 7:30 be held at District Office p.m. at LMS • PSD, Pullman Greyhound Booster Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at PHS

3

Wednesday

• Community Band of the Palouse Winter Concert, Pullman High School, 7 p.m.

• Palouse Choral Society, And On Earth Peace, Simpson United Methodist Church, 7:30 p.m., palousechoralsociety.org

12

5

Friday

1 Saturday

• 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

13

• 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

6

December 2025

• 2026! Happy New Year!

Coming up!

12 Pullman Community Update DECEMBER 2025

15

22

29

14

21

28

• 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.

• Christmas Day

25

18

• Pullman Recreation Center is closed

• New Year’s Eve

31

26

19

27

20

Issues of the Pullman Community Update can be found online at https://pulllmanchamber.com/live-in-pullman/

• PDSC = Palouse Discovery Science Center • PRH = Pullman Regional Hospital • PSD = Pullman School District • SES = Sunnyside Elementary School • SFCC = Spokane Falls Community College • WCHS = Whitman County Humane Society

Abbreviations • JES = Jefferson Elementary School • KES = Kamiak Elementary • LMS = Lincoln Middle School • PAFC = Pullman Aquatic and Fitness Center • PHS = Pullman High School

PSD, No School, Winter Break, December 22 thru January 2

24

17

PSD, No School, Winter Break, December 22 thru January 2

30

23

• Pullman City Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers

16 DECEMBER 2025 Pullman Community Update 13

14 Pullman Community Update

WHITMAN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY

LIVING FAITH FELLOWSHIP

DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

UNITED WAY

Pullman Community Update 15

16 Pullman Community Update

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.

DECEMBER 2025

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.

Palouse Pediatrics Pullman Office: 509-332-2605; Palouse Pediatrics Moscow Office: 208-882-2247

DECEMBER 2025

PULLMAN REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Pullman Community Update 17

Pullman Regional Hospital Names 2025 Physician Excellence Award Winner 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.

18 Pullman Community Update

COMMUNITY ACTION CENTER

DECEMBER 2025

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 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.

FOOD PANTRY Dec. Museum

MONDAY

Closure Dates Closed

TUESDAY

The museum is Closed open Tuesday through

WEDNESDAY

2:00 pmclosed – 6:00 pm 4 p.m., Sunday,

Saturday from 10 a.m. to Monday, holidays,

THURSDAY 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and university breaks and(including Dec. 14 through 6 forpm a

2:00 pm –Jan. 4:00 Winter Break).

FRIDAY Closed

DECEMBER 2025

WHITMAN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH

Pullman Community Update 19

From WCPH, WITH Love.

Follow us on FB & IG to discover more resources in your community & thrive locally all throughout the year.

20 Pullman Community Update

PULLMAN COMMUNITY COUNCIL ON AGING

DECEMBER 2025

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

y t i n u m m o C n a m l l u P Update ly to h t n o m uted b i r t s i and d n a d n m l a l u d in P s Printe e s s e n i s ices u v b r e d S n a r e s oop C home C t c a t on .

Albion. C k about options l.com i a to as m g @ man l l u p r e p oo Email cc

PULLMAN DEPOT

DECEMBER 2025

Pullman’s Past Comes Alive

Pullman Community Update 21

TRACKS PULLMAN DEPOT HERITAGE CENTER NEWS & NOTES

Highlights of 2025 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

In July, a paint testing area atop the passenger car shows what new paint will look like.

In front of a giant wooden exoskeleton, volunteers Ken Casavant and Debbie Sherman welcome visitors at Depot Days in August.

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.

Fundraising Progress – Fundraising – An additional $25,000

is needed to meet our goal of raising $225,000 to restore the passenger coach and caboose.

Volunteers Kelly McGee, Jamie Whitman, and Jenny Carlson don vintage aprons for PDHC’s first tea party in October.

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.

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.

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.

Train Car Holiday Bazaar

1st three Saturdays in December Event rental space available contact us at

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.

pullmandepot.facilities@gmail.com

2025 was a great year, thanks to you!

CONSIDER MAKING A GIFT TODAY Contributions to the Whitman County Historical Society - PDHC are tax deductible.

DONATIONS Donations to PDHC may be sent to: WCHS-Depot Project PO Box 67 Colfax, WA 99111

FOLLOW 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

VISIT US Pullman Depot Heritage Center 330 N. Grand Avenue, Suite H Pullman, WA 99163 pullmandepot.org

The Freight Room is open on Saturdays from 1:00 - 4:00pm

22 Pullman Community Update

FAMILY PROMISE

DECEMBER 2025

DECEMBER 2025

Pullman Community Update 23

The best fish and chips in town!

Buy One Entree, Get a Second Entree of Equal or Lesser Value for Half Price Coupon expires 12/31/2025. One coupon per table per visit.

Coupon can not be combined or used with any other sale or special. Not valid for take-out.

Rico’s is a proud woman-owned business.

Minors are welcome until 8 pm

200 E MAIN, PULLMAN • 332-6566

Ashley Alred (509) 338-5306

Carrie Barker (208) 310-9799

Mark Blehm (509) 336-9935

Kim Brickey (509) 595-3536

Stephanie Clark (509) 595-2798

Dawson Dugger (509) 595-1108

Eve Fortenbery (208) 301-8698

Patti Green-Kent (509) 595-3740

Melissa Harrison (509) 710-5463

Kim Kirsch (509) 592-8045

Debbie Lawrence Designated Broker (208) 301-0108

Siua Musika (425) 757-8212

Mick Nazerali (206) 794-7860

Fattima Rowland (208) 310-0204

Your local experts.

Your trusted neighbors.

From first homes to forever homes, our agents bring years of experience, local insight, and genuine care to every step of your journey.

Because here in the Palouse, home means community.

Ready to start your journey? Scan to contact one of our agents.

Moscow Office: 217 S Main St. (208) 882-0800 Pullman Office: 405 South Grand Ave. (509) 334-0562 Lewiston Office: 325 Main St. (208) 746-7400

cbquadcities.com

Each office is independently owned and operated.

PULLMAN Community Update

DECEMBER 2025

24 Pullman Community Update

PRSRT STD US Postage

PAID

Pullman, WA Permit No. 42 ECRWSS EDDM Postal Customer Local

PULLMAN

Community Update

VOL. 30 | NO. 12 DECEMBER 2025

CITY OF PULLMAN | PULLMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | PULLMAN REGIONAL HOSPITAL | PULLMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT | WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY