PCU_4_26 by PCU_Pullman23

Pullman Community Update

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:

• Avista

• Brenden Leo ManjarrezKeller Williams

• Carol Chipman

• Circles of Caring Adult Day Health Foundation, Inc

• Citizen's Climate Lobby Palouse Region Chapter

• Courtney RanckCopher Photography

• Crybaby Cafe`

• Devan Rose Interiors

• Dom's Donuts

• Dryland Media

• Edward Jones-Dennis Logan

• Evergreen Tire & Auto Repair

• Gentiva Hospice

• J Bart Johnson

• Johnson, Glenn

• Kelly & Kathy Brown

• Living Faith Fellowship

• Moscow Pullman Daily News

• Moscow Pullman OBGYN

• Myers Auto Rebuild & Towing

• Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative, Inc

• Palouse Care Network

• Palouse Discovery Science Center

• Palouse Ridge Golf Club

• Pullman Care Center

• Pullman Greyhound Boosters

• Sam Dial Jewelers

• Sid's Pharmacy

• Sims Glass

• Skelton's Floor Trader Outlet

• The Emporium

• Vitalant

• Washington Homeownership Resource Center

• WhiteRock Consulting Group, Inc

• Wills & Associates, PLLC

• Zoe Coffee & Kitchen

Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) was founded in Pullman in 1982 after Dr. Ed Schweitzer invented the first microprocessor-based digital relay while completing his doctoral research at Washington State University (WSU). The company has grown significantly over the past four decades and now employs nearly 8,000 people worldwide. SEL products are used in 174 countries.

SEL has been a long-time supporter of the Pullman Chamber and has been an active participant on the Chamber Board of Directors and the Government Affairs Committee for many years. The company values the important role Chambers play in civic engagement and in teaching and advocating for economic and political freedom on behalf of members.

Even with global growth, SEL and its employees remain deeply committed to Pullman. Nearly 3,000 employees work at the company headquarters. In 2026, SEL is celebrating several major milestones, including the purchase of the Pullman Aquatic Center in January, now renamed the Schweitzer Wellbeing Center. This summer, the company will share more about the newly formed medical devices team. Later this fall, Washington State University will open WSU Schweitzer Engineering Hall, made possible through a $20 million gift from SEL and Dr. and Ms. Schweitzer.

SEL employees will continue to support local nonprofits through personal giving and volunteer service in schools and at STEM events. The company also plans to continue hiring WSU interns and graduates each year, along with broader hiring to meet increasing global demand from electric industry customers.

To learn more, visit selinc.com.

NEW MEMBERS

• Early Bird Supply

• Lifetime Construction Builders LLC

• Love Your Pics Photography

• P.A.T.H. Protection and Total Health

• Sparrow Glass

• Subway

• Wildflower Aesthetics

PULLMAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Alpine Animal Hospital H spi

Students of the Month

Nic Koenig

Nic Koenig, son of Rich and Teresa Koenig, has been involved in many activities at Pullman High School, including throwing shot put and discus for the track and field team, playing cello in the Blue Orchestra and being an active member of the senior class ASB. Nic received the College Board AP Scholar with Honor Award and superior ratings at the Regional Solo and Small Ensemble Music Contest for piano and cello. He has earned the rank of Eagle Scout and continues to be a part of Scouting America through junior leader positions in his troop.

During the past two summers, Nic worked part-time in WSU engineering labs, gaining experience in bioinspired engineering research and mechanical design and assembly. This fall, he plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.

Julie Yi

Julie Yi, daughter of Song and Li Yi, has been deeply involved at Pullman High School, serving as President of the AAPI Club and Co-President of the Politics and Debate Club while also participating in a myriad of other clubs. Along with her involvement with leadership, Julie has maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking rigorous AP courses. She has earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction and won a Silver Medal in the National French Contest.

Outside of school, Julie has gained valuable work and professional experiences through her job as a waitress at New Garden Restaurant as well as a legal internship at Prinz and Brozik Law Office. Through both roles, she has shown maturity, initiative and a strong work ethic.

Julie plans to study philosophy at a four-year university and pursue a law degree after earning her undergraduate degree.

Growing Goal-Setters: How Sunnyside Students Take Ownership of Their Learning

Pam Brantner, Sunnyside Elementary Principal

At Sunnyside Elementary, goal setting is becoming one of the most powerful tools we use to help students take ownership of their learning. From Kindergarten through fifth grade, students are learning how to create SMART goals—goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. More importantly, they are learning how to monitor their own progress and reflect on their growth.

In the primary grades, goal setting begins as a shared experience. Kindergarten and first grade students often work toward whole-class goals, such as increasing reading stamina, improving letter sounds, or following classroom routines more independently. Teachers model what a goal looks like and help students track progress together using simple visuals and class charts. Even at a young age, students begin to understand that goals give direction and that effort leads to improvement.

As students move into second and third grade, goal setting becomes more personalized. Small groups begin setting SMART goals together, often focused on specific academic skills like reading fluency, math fact accuracy, or writing complete sentences. Students start to record their progress weekly and meet briefly with their teacher to reflect on what strategies are helping them grow. These conversations build confidence and awareness. Students begin to see that learning is not something that

simply happens to them—it is something they can influence. By fourth and fifth grade, students are ready to set independent SMART goals. They identify an area of growth, determine how they will measure progress, and establish a timeline. Students track their own data in journals or charts and participate in weekly check-ins with their teacher to assess progress and adjust strategies. When asked about their goals, these students can clearly explain what they are working on, why they chose it, and what their next steps are. This level of ownership transforms the classroom culture. Learning becomes purposeful and personal.

The benefits of this process extend far beyond academics. When students set goals, engagement increases because the work feels meaningful. Motivation grows as students see tangible evidence of improvement. Even small gains reinforce the belief that growth is possible. Goal setting also strengthens social-emotional skills such as perseverance, responsibility, and resilience. Students learn that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to adjust strategies and try again.

Parents can extend this practice at home in simple but meaningful ways. Asking a child about their goal and how they are tracking it reinforces ownership. Celebrating effort rather than just outcomes builds confidence and persistence. Families might even set shared goals together, such as reading each night or practicing math facts, modeling the same growth mindset children are developing at school. Reflective questions like “What helped you this week?” or “What will you try differently next time?” encourage children to think critically about their learning.

At Sunnyside, we believe that when students understand their goals and see their progress, they become empowered learners. Teaching goal setting from Kindergarten through fifth grade ensures that students are not just completing assignments—they are building lifelong skills that will guide them far beyond elementaryschool.

PULLMAN SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pullman School District to Add Solar Energy to Four Buildings Juston Pollestad, Executive Director of Operations

Pullman School District is preparing to take an important step toward long-term sustainability and energy cost savings with the installation of solar energy systems on four district facilities in the coming months.

The project will be completed in partnership with Zero Emissions Northwest (ZEN), a Spokane-based nonprofit organization that specializes in helping rural communities and public entities implement clean energy solutions. The project is supported by a $1.5 million grant award, made possible through ZEN’s partnership with Partners for Rural Washington (PRWA), Washington State University (WSU), and the WSU Energy Program’s Community Solar Expansion Program.

ZEN will develop, finance, and install four solar systems totaling approximately 800 kW (DC) / 600 kW (AC). These systems will be interconnected behind the meter at the elementary school, middle school, high school, and the district bus depot. Each system is sized based on the energy usage at the facility, available roof space, and applicable incentives from Avista Utilities.

As part of the project, Pullman School District and ZEN will enter into a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Under this agreement:

• ZEN will own, operate, and maintain the solar systems during the PPA term

• Pullman School District will purchase the electricity generated by the systems at a fixed rate of $0.027 per kilowatt-hour, representing approximately a 77% discount from current utility rates

• There is no upfront capital cost to the district

At the conclusion of the 10-year PPA term, ZEN will transfer ownership of the solar systems to Pullman School District at Fair Market Value, which is currently estimated at $184,500.

PRWA and ZEN will secure a one-time incentive through the WSU Energy Program’s Community Solar Expansion Program, which plays a critical role in making the project financially viable.

The project is projected to generate substantial long-term savings:

All are invited to join us for the Greyhound Way)!

• First 10 years: Estimated $907,000 in energy savings, which will be directed toward low-income programs

• Following 20 years: An estimated $3.1 million in unrestricted energy savings for the district

• Total projected net savings over 30 years: Approximately $4 million, after all expenses

This event is designed to be a one community partners. All district for the 2026–2027 school year. Services and Transportation teams

These savings help stabilize utility costs and allow district resources to be redirected toward educational priorities and student support.

In addition, the evening will feature Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and opportunities that support children

Beyond financial benefits, the solar installations will reduce the district’s carbon footprint and provide real-world learning opportunities for students. The systems can be used as instructional tools to support science, technology, engineering, and environmental education.

We are excited to welcome:

Installation is expected to begin in the coming months, with systems coming online following construction and final inspections. The district will continue to share updates as the project progresses.

• Community Action Center

• Boys & Girls Club

• SPIN

Pullman School District is grateful for the partnership with Zero Emissions Northwest, Partners for Rural Washington, and Washington State University, as well as the $1.5 million grant award that made this project possible. Together, these efforts represent a meaningful investment in sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and student success for decades to come.

• Lauren McCluskey Foundation and more partners at this event!

All are invited to join us for the PSD Spring Family Fair on April 22nd at Pullman High School (510 NW Greyhound Way)!

at Pullman High School (510 NW Greyhound Way)!

This event is designed to be a one-stop opportunity for families to connect with our schools, district staff, and community partners. All district schools will be represented with enrollment assistance and school information for the 2026–2027 school year. Families can also visit with our District Nurse, Nutrition Services, Special Services and Transportation teams to learn more about the services that support students every day.

resources, services, and opportunities that support children and families.

We are excited to welcome:

• Community Action Center

• Boys & Girls Club

• SPIN

• Lauren McCluskey Foundation

• Whitman County Public Health

• CHAS Health

In addition, the evening will feature Community Connections, hosted by the District’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Task Force, bringing together local organizations to share resources, services, and opportunities that support children and families.

In addition, the evening will feature Community Connections, hosted by the District’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Task Force, bringing together local organizations to share

We are excited to welcome:

• Community Action Center

• Boys & Girls Club

• SPIN

• Lauren McCluskey Foundation

• United Way of Whitman Count and more partners at this event!

• Whitman County Public Health

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

• CHAS Health

• United Way of Whitman Count and more partners at this event!

Arron Carter Director, District 1 acarter@psd267.org

Lisa Waananen Jones Director, District 2 lwaananenjones@psd267.org

The Pullman School District Board of Directors will also be hosting a Community Listening Session during the fair, providing an opportunity for families to share feedback, ask questions, and engage in open dialogue. We invite community members to stop by, share their perspectives, and help inform the board’s ongoing work in support of our students and schools!

Deena Bayoumi Director, District 4 dbayoumi@psd267.org

Stephanie Horn Director, District 5 shorn@psd267.org

The Community families invite inform

Craig Nelson Director, District 3 cnelson@psd267.org

All are invited to join us for the PSD Spring Family Fair on April 22nd

APRIL 2026 Crime Victim Service Center

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION MONTH

AND CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS WEEK

CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS WEEK

Join us in uplifting survivors voices and making an impact in our community April 19th through April 25th by observing Crime Victim Rights Week.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION

Child Abuse Prevention Month is a time to recognize the importance of protecting children, supporting families, and strengthening communities. It raises awareness about the signs of abuse and neglect while encouraging prevention through education, advocacy, and early intervention By working together, neighbors, educators, caregivers, and leaders, we can help ensure every child grows up in a safe, nurturing environment where they are valued and heard

CRIME VICTIM RIGHTS WEEK

Crime Victims’ Rights Awareness Week highlights the rights, needs, and voices of those affected by crime Observed April 19–25, 2026, it emphasizes access to justice, support services, and fair treatment for victims throughout the legal process This week serves as a reminder to stand with survivors, promote accountability, and strengthen systems that protect and empower victims in every community.

Our Crime Victim Service Center is here for you anytime, day or night. We offer a 24/7 free and confidential hotline at 509332-4357, providing immediate support, information, and resources to those affected by crime Whether you need someone to talk to, help understanding your options, or guidance toward safety and healing, trained advocates are always available to listen and assist

Keegan Baatz, S. Camille Comer, and Kahyun (Kate) Uhm, this year’s candidates for the Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition, will introduce their body of work and discuss their emerging practices 3-4 p.m. April 17 at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU. A reception will follow at 4-6 p.m. This free event is open to the public during Family Weekend at the museum.

Trimpin: Ambiente432 Exhibition runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Museum of Art. The exhibition is a siteresponsive installation comprised of 12 motion-responsive resonator horns suspended from the ceiling and tuned precisely to 432Hz. The work explores the sound–space continuum, demonstrating how an architectural environment may coexist and harmonize with a kinetic sound sculpture.

Mimi Jung: An Unfinished Origin runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Museum of Art. The exhibition brings together recent sculptural works from the Helena, Montana-based artist. The loom has long served as the foundation for Jung's woven practice, but she has incorporated unexpected materials such as paper and foam as wefts, along with a variety of non-traditional strings as warps. Her newest creations move from woven textiles into cast metal sculpture.

Longer Light: Selections from the Collection runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Museum of Art. The exhibition offers a wide-ranging exploration of how artists in the museum’s holdings have engaged with the universal and compelling phenomenon of light, with special emphasis on the museum’s growing photography collection and lens-based practices.

• Pullman School District. 332-3581 Washington State University, 335-7628 For advertising opportunities, contact Carol Cooper at ccooperpullman@gmail.com 509-592-3931 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.

• WSU, Cougar Tennis vs. Gonzaga, 11:00 a.m., WSU Outdoor Tennis Courts

• 2025-26 Tennis ScheduleWashington State University Athletics

• WSU Opera/Musical Theatre Opera Workshop: Princess Ida, Bryan Hall. 7:30 p.m.

• Pullman Market on Main, 10 a.m. –3 p.m., 300 E Main St

• City, Free Tax Return Help, 10:00 a.m. –2 p.m. , Neill Public Library

• City, 65th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 10 a.m. , Kruegel Park

• Pullman Depot At the Freight Room, open 1 –4 p.m.

• WSU Opera/Musical Theatre Opera Workshop: Princess Ida, Bryan Hall. 2 p.m.

• WSU, Cougar Tennis vs. Seattle, 11:00 a.m., WSU Outdoor Tennis Courts

• WSU, Cougar Baseball vs. Gardner-Webb, 4:05 p.m., BaileyBrayton Field

• 2025-26 Tennis Schedule

• WSU, Cougar Baseball vs. Gardner-Webb, 12:05 p.m., Bailey-Brayton Field

• 2026 Baseball ScheduleWashington State University Athletics

• WSU, Cougar Baseball vs. Gardner-Webb, 4:05 p.m., Bailey-Brayton Field

Washington State University Athletics

• 2026 Baseball Schedule

• WSU, Student Recital: Dylan Sutton, trombone, Bryan Hall, 3:10 p.m.

• 2026 Baseball ScheduleWashington State University Athletics

• Pullman Market on Main, 10 a.m. –3 p.m., 300 E Main St

• WSU, Student Recital: Seth Reynvaan & Gabriel Aguilar, trumpet, Bryan Hall, 4:10 p.m.

• City, Free Tax Return Help, 10:00 a.m. –2 p.m. , Neill Public

• WSU, Student Recital: Rachael Crabb, saxophone, Bryan Hall, 7:30 p.m.

• Chamber of Commerce, 334-3565 Pullman Regional Hospital, 332-2541

• City, Pullman City Council Special Meeting, 5:30 p.m. –7 p.m., Pullman School District

• PSD, Board Work Session, 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Meeting will be held at District Office

• (Tentative)

• PSD, Pullman Greyhound Booster Committee Meeting, 7:00 p.m. at PHS

Abbreviations

• PHS= Pullman High School

• PDSC= Palouse Discovery Science Center

• PRH= Pullman Regional Hospital

• SES = Sunnyside Elementary School

• SFCC=Spokane Falls Community College

• JES = Jefferson Elementary School

• KES –Kamiak Elementary

• LMS= Lincoln Middle School

• PAFC= Pullman Aquatic and Fitness Center

• PCM = Pullman Community Montessori

• WSU, WSU Symphonic Band & Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Bryan Hall, 7:30 p.m.

• WSU, Cougar Baseball vs. Oregon State, 1:05 p.m., Bailey-Brayton Field

• WSU, Cougar Baseball vs. Oregon State, 4:05 p.m., Bailey-Brayton Field

• 2026 Baseball ScheduleWashington State University Athletics

• WSU Student Recital: Jessica Hawkes, guitar, Kimbrough Music Building, 5:10 p.m.

• Easter Sunday

PSD, Spring Break, No School, 6 th –10 th

• WSU Spring Family Arts & Crafts Fair, 9 a.m. –4 p.m., Beasley Coliseum

• WSU, Chamber Concert: Woodwind & Strings, Bryan Hall, 3:10 p.m.

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

• Pullman Market on Main, 10 a.m. –3 p.m., 300 E Main St

• WSU, Chamber Concert: Brass, Bryan Hall, 4:10 p.m.

• Pullman Depot At the Freight Room, open 1 –4 p.m.

• WSU, Joint Recital: Cassidy Fairchild & Steven Randall, horn, Bryan Hall, 7:30 p.m.

• Palouse Habitat for Humanity, Beans ‘N Jeans, SEL Event Center, see pg 18

• PSD, Pullman High School AAPI Club Presents: Multicultural Night, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at PHS

• Kip Moore Concert, 7PM, Beasley Coliseum

• WSU Spring Family Arts & Crafts Fair, 10 a.m. –9 p.m., Beasley Coliseum

Into the Woods, 16-19, rtoptheatre.org

• WSU, Cougar Track vs. Cougar Classic, All Day

Washington State University Athletics

• Pullman Outdoor Track Schedule

• WSU, Student Recital: Sarah Walker, clarinet, Kimbrough Music Building. 3:10 p.m.

• WSU, Cougar Volleyball vs. Idaho, 10 a.m., Bohler Gym

• WSU, Graduate Recital: Kate Gordon, piano, Kimbrough Music Building, 4:10 p.m.

• PSD, 2026-2027 PSD Kindergarten Open House, 4:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m. at Elementary Schools

Washington State University Athletics

• 2026 Volleyball Schedule

• WSU, Cougar Track vs. Cougar Classic, All Day, Pullman

• WSU, Cougar Football Crimson and Gray Game, 2:00 p.m., Gesa Field

• 2026 Football Schedule –Washington State University Athletics

Washington State University Athletics

• Outdoor Track Schedule

• WSU, Choir Concert, Kimbrough Music Building, 7:30 p.m.

• WSU, Cougar Baseball vs. New Mexico, 6:05 p.m., Bailey-Brayton Field

• 2026 Baseball ScheduleWashington State University Athletics

–3 p.m., 300 E Main St

• Pullman Market on Main, 10 a.m.

• WSU, Student Recital: Mackenzie Jacobs, soprano, & Nicole Ehr, composition, Bryan Hall, 7:30 p.m.

• Pullman Depot At the Freight Room, open 1 –4 p.m.

Into the Woods, 23-26, rtoptheatre.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, General Membership Luncheon, 11:30 a.m., see pg 1

• WSU, Cougar Baseball vs. Portland, 12:05 p.m., BaileyBrayton Field

• WSU, Cougar Tennis vs. Portland, 11:00 a.m., WSU Outdoor Tennis Courts

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

• 2026 Baseball ScheduleWashington State University Athletics

• WSU Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Hall, 7:30 p.m.

• WSU, Guitar Studio Concert, Kimbrough Music Building, 5:10 p.m.

• Earth Day

• PSD, Pullman School District Hosting “Spring Family Fair” & School Board Hosting Community Listening Session, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at PHS

• WSU, Cougar Baseball vs. Gonzaga, 6:05 p.m., BaileyBrayton Field

• WSU, FAS: Fabio Menchetti, piano, Kimbrough Music Building, 7:30 p.m.

• 2026 Baseball ScheduleWashington State University Athletics

• WSU, Cougar Soccer vs. Idaho, 7:00 p.m., Lower Soccer Field

• PSD, Kamiak Elementary PTA Meeting, 6:00 p.m.7:00 p.m. at KES

• 2026 Soccer ScheduleWashington State University Athletics

• WSU, FAS: Aaron Hill, saxophone, Bryan Hall, 7:30 p.m.

• PSD, Regular Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Meeting will be held at Pullman High School and live streamed on our YouTube Channel

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

Into the Woods, 16-19, rtoptheatre.org

• WSU, Cougar Baseball vs. New Mexico, 12:05 p.m., Bailey-Brayton Field

• 2026 Baseball ScheduleWashington State University Athletics

Into the Woods, 23-26, rtoptheatre.org

More Than Medicine: A Guardian Angel for Pullman Healthcare

Pullman Regional Hospital’s Guardian Angel Grateful Patient Program provides patients and loved ones a way to say “thank you” to a caregiver. If a physician, nurse, staff member, or volunteer has brought comfort to you in your time of need, please consider recognizing them with a gift to the Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation. Gifts to this special program pay tribute to the outstanding caregiver while helping provide resources for the hospital’s highest needs.

Ken Casavant honored Jeff Ward, DO, 3rd year resident with the Family Medicine Residency Program, with a Guardian Angel award for the care he provided as Casavant's family doctor.

Ken Casavant is no stranger to the Pullman community; he and his wife Dorothy have lived and worked in Pullman since 1967. After earning his PhD in Agricultural Economics in 1971, he went on to teach and serve the WSU student body for over 50 years, even well into his retirement. In addition to his faculty role, Ken wore many hats for WSU Athletics as faculty

representative, PAC-10 president, and NCAA liaison. Currently, Ken serves on the Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. He was a member of The Next Era of Excellence campaign cabinet, where he helped the Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation secure large gifts as well as committed his own to the Orthopedic Center of Excellence expansion. Ken also served on the 5th Quarter Rally event committee to support the Regional High School Athletic Training Program. "I feel a love for the city, for the hospital, and for the doctors we have" says Casavant regarding his altruism.

Ken reminds us that the importance of a local residency program cannot be understated. He remarks that "the Family Medicine Residency Program is important because the goal is to get physicians to stay and practice in rural Washington. There’s a hesitancy in picking a resident as your doctor, but this is a long-term solution to accessible care for family medicine." He also shares that he feels honored to have gifted the first Guardian Angel to a resident physician.

Jeff Ward, DO, is a native of Twin Falls, ID and joined the very first cohort of resident physicians for the Family Medicine Residency Program in conjunction with the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine in 2023. Dr. Ward shares that he has always felt drawn to family medicine. "Family medicine is filled with opportunities to develop relationships with patients," says Ward. "Not only is connecting with patients something I enjoy, I believe that it is necessary in order to provide optimal care."

Ken Casavant eagerly testifies to the optimal care he received from Dr. Ward. "Dr. Ward is thorough, well-trained, and full of experience," says Casavant. "He's the personification of what a family doctor should be." Ken also shares that, at his age, his doctor's visits have also become his wife's doctor's visits, so Dr. Ward is their family doctor in the truest sense of the word. "We can ask him about anything; he's like our friend."

Dr. Ward is set to graduate from the Family Medicine Residency Program this summer. Though he wishes Dr. Ward could stay in Pullman forever, as a professional educator Ken understands and supports Dr. Ward in the next steps toward his career growth.

If you’d like to learn more about the program or honor a Pullman Regional caregiver who impacted you, information is available at pullmanregional.org/guardian-angel.

UNITED WAY

Ken Paulson: 509-338-0824 • KENPAPP755U5

Now o ering Senior Citizen and Veterans discounts upon request

ECNW: 509-332-2003 • ELECTCM925LW

Three services, One trusted team, proudly serving Pullman, Moscow and surrounding communities

$4,343 annual, full-time, WA resident tuition (1/3 of public university cost)

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

SFCC gave me more than classes; it gave me a system of support. It taught me how college works, how to show up, and how to succeed. The environment there is all built around student success. Their entire staff is incredible; present, approachable, and they truly care about the students.

Jeremie Kaufman SFCC Pullman

25 years serving the Palouse community

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• Acne

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• Hair Loss

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The Food & Shelter Folks

Meet the Staff: Cody Maglinti, Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) Resource Navigator; Housing Specialist

What is challenging about your work?

Tell me about your job position at Community Action Center. I am a unique person on the team within the housing department; I wear two hats. I work with Housing Solutions to help to stabilize, not just homeless families, but all people seeking assistance. As a housing case manager, I help families build toward self-reliance. At the end of the day, we are hoping we can end homelessness.

The second part of my job is resource navigation for youth experiencing homelessness. I am pretty comfortable with my lived experience. At 22, here in Pullman, I was on the verge of being homeless. I was actually helped by the people at Commerce that helped set up the YHDP program at CAC. Young people are specifically at risk of experiencing homelessness and I’m a perfect example of that. All I needed was grace and experienced people to guide me through.

What do you like about your work?

The fact I get to work with, and for, our community. It’s so important and powerful, when someone speaks life in your situation or circumstance. I love how beautiful it can be when positive change is embraced by our clients. We want people to have the reins of their journey and control of their situation. At the end of the day, I love it when I know I made someone smile or helped someone love themselves.

The hardest goal for us to achieve is housing stability and financial stability for all our neighbors. We want emotional, physical and mental safety for all the people who come into these systems. We would love to have everyone housed.

What would you like to tell the community?

My biggest encouragement to any client is: the only difference between us and you is, we have to submit your paperwork. Most of us have been through the same circumstances as our clients; we aren’t any better than them. We’re just older and have lived a little bit. We’re all doing our best with what we know. When we learn better, we do better. You can’t fault yourself for learning from your mistakes.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I play a ton of volleyball. When I was in college, I played on the WSU men’s club volleyball team. When I finished at WSU, I still stayed connected with the community and we made a competitive team. We are about to go to a tournament in Vancouver, Canada.

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:

• Canned protein (chicken or tuna)

• Pasta

• Spaghetti sauce

• Canned fruit

• Side dishes like PastaRoni

• Any kind of canned soup (meat or vegan)

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.

Dec. Museum Closure Dates

MONDAY Closed

TUESDAY 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm NEW!

WEDNESDAY 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

THURSDAY 10:00 am – 1:00 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