Good morning, Walla Walla.

Rachael Jones, manager of Quail Run Retirement Community on Plaza Way, has created an A-Z book that shares details of local life and honors longtime staff like the late Parke Thomas—she recorded ideas for each letter over more than a decade and now residents are ordering more copies while she plans a follow-up on retirement options in our valley.

Columbia REA is accepting applications for its 2025 legacy grants until 5 p.m., Friday, Oct.

10, offering funding from $50,000 to $250,000 for projects that improve rural facilities, infrastructure, education, technology or health care. Key Technology will showcase its COMPASS optical sorter at Pack Expo Las Vegas to detect and reject food products with defects—dark spots, discolorations and bruises.

Walla Walla writer Edmond Bruneau, a retired music producer, will sign copies of his new book of poetry When Watermelon had Seeds at Book and Game Co., 38 E.

Main St. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27—his 166-page collection blends playful wordplay with thoughtful social commentary.

The Little Theatre of Walla Walla received a $12,000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation to improve security by installing new fencing on the south side so the back patio can be used safely during shows — season passes for the upcoming season are now on sale.

The American Association of University Women-Walla Walla branch will host its 23rd annual Kitchen Tour on Saturday, Oct.

4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local tickets cost $35 and the Marcus Whitman Hotel Conference Center will serve as the kickoff venue from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—proceeds support scholarships and community educational projects.

A surgeon from Walla Walla performed a three-hour operation at Kadlec Medical Center using the da Vinci system — the surgery fixed a hiatal hernia that had caused 30 years of acid reflux.

The patient recovered with fewer cuts but felt pain from gas and IV issues while friends brought meals during recovery.

Spanish Storytime

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Walla Walla Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a bilingual storytime for little ones and foster a love for reading in Spanish.

Annual Kitchen Tour

11 AM – 4 PM — The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center — Supports women's scholarships — Explore Walla Walla’s beautifully renovated kitchens.

Falla Walla Half Marathon, 10K & Heroes 5K Run

9 AM – 1 PM — Walla Walla Community College — Registration fees apply — Experience scenic views of the Blue Mountains while enjoying a variety of running events.

WSAMA 2025 Fall Conference

— Oct 15-17 — The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center — Registration required — Engage in professional development with CLE credit sessions on various topics.

Fall Furr Ball 2025

5:30-10 p.m. — The Marcus Whitman Hotel & Conference Center — Tickets available — An elegant evening benefiting animal welfare with dinner, entertainment, and auctions.