Good morning, Walla Walla.

At a city council session Monday, the Walla Walla Alliance for the Homeless Sleep Center said it served 67–68 people nightly and had added shelter units, laundry access & a dog run while 1,000 individuals had been assisted in 10 years; further expansions are planned as funding becomes available.

TMACS announced that founding owner Tom Maccarone will retire at the end of this month, and chef José Meza will take over in 2026 to keep the restaurant’s tradition of hearty meals and warm service.

The change marks a new chapter for the beloved downtown eatery.

Columbia REA partners with Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and the Salvation Army for a Holiday Toy Drive that accepts new, unwrapped toys until Dec.

15 at its Melrose St. location. Downtown Fiasco (the local pizzeria) will introduce a winter cocktail menu as the Blue Mountain Community Foundation honors local nonprofits.

Since 2014, the Waitsburg High School Alumni Association has awarded 50 scholarships totaling over $50,000 to support graduates.

The program, whose first recipient was Dr. Nicholas Pearson, has named awardees Amy Farley, Cedar Stegall, Monte Pettichord, William Daves, Alyssa Hollingsworth, Jackson Karl, and Lucas VanHoose.

Waitsburg students competed in the Amazing Shake mini-gauntlet (Monopoly Edition) on November 25, testing communication and problem-solving skills; top 25 finalists were announced on November 26 and will advance at a statewide event in Mattawa on February 3, with top performers set for a national contest in Atlanta in March.

'Tis the Season Holiday Concert

'Tis the Season — 5:00-6:30 p.m. — Gesa Power House Theatre — $40 — Enjoy a festive evening with jazz, rock, and soul renditions of holiday classics performed by local musicians.

Pioneer Santa & Holiday Fun

12-4 p.m. — Fort Walla Walla Museum — Free entry — Enjoy holiday stories with Pioneer Santa and creative crafts for kids along with complimentary gift wrapping in the Museum Store.

The Nutcracker Ballet

2-4 p.m. — Gesa Power House Theatre — $20 – $50 — Experience a magical journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this holiday classic.

The Nutcracker Ballet

2-4 p.m. — Gesa Power House Theatre — $20 – $50 — Experience a magical holiday classic with enchanting performances by the Washington State Youth Ballet.